Volunteer Spotlight:
Oregon Chinese Coalition

We are thrilled to recognize our extraordinary volunteers from Oregon Chinese Coalition (OCC). OCC and their youth volunteers have been avid supporters of Transition Projects for four years organizing winter clothing drives, sorting donations in our warehouse, and serving three meals a month at our shelters. Read on for more about their volunteer experience.

How did you learn about Transition Projects and first get involved?
When our community winter drive entered its fourth year, Transition Projects became one of the organizations to receive our donations. Our student volunteers had the opportunity to visit the warehouse, learn about the shelter programs, and were deeply moved by the services Transition Projects provide. The following year, we decided to take the next step by providing meals at the shelters.

What keeps you volunteering with Transition Projects?
We wanted our students to take the lead in running the monthly meal service. The goal was to give them a chance to experience real-life situations that are often very different from their own daily lives. Every student has shared a similar reflection that this experience was truly eye-opening. The most important takeaway for them was realizing that the people they served are not so different from themselves. Misfortune can happen to anyone — often for reasons far beyond their control — but by reaching out with care at a critical moment, we can help someone get back on the right track.

With this simple belief, hundreds of families with young children have joined the effort. We've now expanded to serving two shelters and offer meals on three Sundays each month.

An unexpected but powerful outcome has been the infusion of new energy into meal service. These young volunteers not only find fulfillment in helping others, but they’ve also helped shift the makeup of the meal provider community by bringing in younger participants and more volunteers from BIPOC communities.

Do you have a favorite moment or memory you would like to share?
There are so many. Each time, families share photos of the students cooking and serving meals, and we hear stories of how deeply touched they were. Many of the students tell their parents how often they were thanked by the residents. Every visit is met with smiles and cheers as residents have come to associate our arrival with another evening of warm, delicious Chinese food. It’s not uncommon for them to applaud as the families leave, which is incredibly moving.

One particularly memorable moment was the special Thanksgiving performance at the Clark Center last year. The students played their favorite music and sang for the residents, creating a festive and heartfelt celebration.

Any words of advice for new meal providers?
Bringing families with young students to the shelters is truly an eye-opening experience. It is more than just providing a meal, it is about building empathy, breaking down stereotypes, and making real human connections. Do not worry about making the perfect dish; what matters most is showing up with kindness and sincerity. The residents are always grateful, and the impact you leave goes far beyond the food you serve. Let the experience speak for itself. It will likely stay with your family for a long time.