Stories

On December 14th, the Student Corps NorCal Chapter met with Sharmaine Sun from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area. As part of their ongoing partnership, Student Corps presented a $1,000 check to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area during the gathering. The chapter supervisor and members Iris Zeng, Melinda Wong, and Michelle Li discussed Student Corps’ activities and even potential future events with BBBS of the Bay Area.

Written by Michelle Li

In honor of National Autism Acceptance Month, LexiBright, in collaboration with Silk Road Center, spearheaded an initiative to raise awareness and funds for autism research. A group of talented young artists from the chapter sold their hand-drawn canvas bags, adorned with cartoon drawings, with proceeds donated towards the MGH SYNAPSE research program led by esteemed scientist Dr. Xuejun Kong. The initiative, which took place throughout April, not only succeeded in generating financial support but also in spreading acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within the community.

Beyond their fundraising efforts, Silk Road Center also sponsored LexiBright’s young artists to hand-draw 50 canvas bags to donate to children living with autism. These thoughtful gifts would not only bring joy to their recipients but also serve as a powerful expression of inclusivity and compassion.

Thanks to the overwhelming support and generosity of the community, the bag sale managed to raise over $3000 for the SYNAPSE research program. Along with other business and individual donations raised by Silk Road Center, the event raised over $10,000 in total. This significant contribution will aid Dr. Xuejun Kong and her team in their efforts to advance our understanding of autism and develop more effective interventions and treatments.

On April 25^th, Jasmine Wang and Jocelyn Chen, representing LexiBright along with one of the main event organizers, Yifei Wang, and several other fundraising members of Silk Road Center, visited MGH to meet with Dr. Kong and her team. They presented the donation check as well as the hand-drawn bags to Dr. Kong, which will be distributed to children with autism under her care.

We encourage everyone to continue supporting autism research and advocacy efforts beyond April, as every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in the lives of those affected by ASD.

Written by Jocelyn Chen and Jasmine Wang

The Minuteman Chapter of Student Corps recently held two community service events supporting and collaborating with the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield, MA.

16 volunteers went to the House on July 20 to organize residential and storage rooms, take out the trash, and perform other household chores. In addition, everyone participated in the making of a Meal from the Heart that included homemade pizza, spring rolls, chicken wings, fried rice, salad, chopped fruit, and chocolate chip cookies.

The house manager Celine was also kind to give newcomers a tour of the facility and an overview of the charity’s work supporting and providing housing to families of children requiring medical treatment at local hospitals. Throughout the event, volunteers were also able to connect with current residents, including those from foreign countries like the Dominican Republic and Vietnam.

9 volunteers came to the House on August 17 to set up and organize pantry shelves and the House refrigerator as well as to make another Meal from the Heart with a menu similar to the previous visit. Volunteers from last year reconnected with a boy from Turkey who first came to the House in the aftermath of the 2023 earthquake, and all were able to interact with new residents from across the country.

The Minuteman Chapter hopes to continue our partnership with the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield and looks forward to more upcoming events.

Written by Owen He

On July 28th, NorCal Student Corps members gathered to help RAFT (Resource Area For Teaching) prepare for the upcoming school year. Some students scalloped cardboard, while others bundled yarn for upcoming RAFT products. Another group sorted donated materials, STEAM Project Kits, and school supplies. Through volunteering, the students enabled local educators to implement hands-on techniques in their STEAM curriculum. In addition, RAFT’s use of donated and recycled products ensured that this learning would not come at the cost of the environment. 

Written by Michelle Li