AAYGC helping with the fight against COVID-19
During this uncertain time, the Asian American Youth Giving Circle wanted to do something to help the community fight against COVID-19. They decided to allocate most of their funds this year to COVID-19 projects. Specifically, they allotted $12,000 towards purchasing Personal Protection Equipment or PPE; spending $10,000 to purchase KN95 masks, and the remaining $2,000 to buy reusable masks for the most vulnerable in the community.
Here are the projects they have worked on in the past few months:
Together, with the help of other Asian Community Leaders, the AAYGC purchased 3,000 KN95 masks, giving them to the City of Houston’s first responders. On Friday, May 22nd, AAYGC members Tyler, Ethan, Ashton, Pearl, Madeline, Nicole, and Colin went to City Hall to represent the giving circle and distribute these masks.
Another project they felt strongly about was helping protect our seniors. AAYGC collaborated with our State Rep., Gene Wu, and the Chinese Community Center to supply reusable masks made out of nanotechnology fabric. On June 12th, some AAYGC members namely Ethan, Ashton, Isabella, Madeline, Max, Pearl, Arissa, and Rhea distributed these masks while participating in a Press Conference, as well. They were able to provide 1,300 reusable masks to seniors participating in various programs through the Chinese Community Center. They were also able to donate some to the Southwest Management district. We still have some available masks; if there are other senior groups in the community you feel have a need for these masks, please go to https://www.aaygc.org/mask-request
Aside from the donations, the younger members also participated in making beautiful cards, along with taking photos holding encouraging words that were sent to hospitals to inspire and boost the morale of the frontliners. The members also used their social media power to spread important messages on being united, as well as the importance of staying home and having a positive outlook, despite the pandemic.
Some of the members also volunteered to mentor younger students virtually. They also are videotaping themselves cooking healthy, ethnic meals through a partnership with Bite of Hope, an outreach program created by the HOPE clinic to promote healthy living.
The Asian American Youth Giving Circle members have learned that you are never too young to have a heart to help and provide for the community. We can get through this together!