Tzu Chi USA Midwest

05/13/2026

In the wake of the devastating tornadoes that struck Michigan, Tzu Chi USA Midwest Region volunteers crossed state lines to bring relief, comfort, and hope to affected families. 💙

The tornadoes claimed lives, injured dozens, and destroyed homes across the community. In response, 23 volunteers from Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, and surrounding areas came together with the American Red Cross to support survivors through a heartfelt relief distribution event.

With sincerity and compassion, volunteers provided:
🤝 Cash cards for immediate assistance
🧣 Eco-friendly blankets and Jing Si products
🎋 Bamboo banks to inspire kindness and giving
💛 Emotional support through listening, prayer, and companionship

One touching moment came when two children, themselves disaster survivors, placed donations into a bamboo bank before leaving, transforming from recipients of aid into givers of love.

Another mother shared that her daughter, who had emotionally withdrawn after the tornadoes, smiled again for the first time during the event.

In total, 34 families and 106 survivors received support.

Though the tornadoes destroyed homes, they also revealed the strength of compassion, unity, and humanity. Together with local partners and communities, Tzu Chi continues to bring hope where it is needed most.

05/11/2026

Amid this year’s Buddha Day, Mother's Day, and Tzu Chi Day celebrations, we also came together for a peaceful Walking Meditation, taking mindful steps in reflection, gratitude, and unity. 🌿

As Tzu Chi marks its 60th Anniversary, this meaningful gathering offered an opportunity to slow down, quiet the mind, and cultivate compassion within ourselves and for the world around us. With each step, participants shared in a collective aspiration for harmony, peace, and blessings for all beings.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in this moment of mindfulness.

05/11/2026

This past weekend, our Darien, IL, community also gathered to celebrate Buddha Day, Mother's Day, and Tzu Chi Day, sharing in a truly meaningful occasion rooted in gratitude, compassion, and togetherness. 🌸🙏

This year’s celebration honored Tzu Chi’s 60th Anniversary, commemorating six decades of humanitarian service and love in action. Throughout the day, volunteers, families, and community members gathered in a spirit of gratitude to offer prayers for peace and reflect on the importance of kindness and compassion in our daily lives. The gathering also inspired us to renew our shared aspiration for harmony in the world and blessings for all beings.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day one to remember!
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05/11/2026

This past weekend, we joined hands and hearts with the community for a triple celebration honoring Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, and Tzu Chi Day in Chicago Service Center. 💐🙏❤️

This year’s gathering carried special meaning, too, as we also celebrated Tzu Chi’s 60th Anniversary, marking six decades of compassion, humanitarian relief, and service.

Families, volunteers, and neighbors gathered in gratitude to offer prayers for peace and reflect on the spirit of kindness and unity that connects us all. And indeed, throughout the celebration, moments of reflection and heartfelt appreciation abounded, filling the air with warmth and sincerity. May there be peace in our hearts, and blessings for all beings.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this meaningful occasion truly memorable!

05/01/2026

We brought hope and relief to communities impacted by recent tornadoes 🌪️

On April 18, 2026, volunteers served residents in Kankakee and Aroma Park, Illinois, providing cash cards, eco-blankets, and essential supplies to support recovery during this difficult time.

Even the smallest blessing can mean the world. Together, we stand with survivors as they rebuild and heal. 💙

04/29/2026

🌸 Join us for our 2026 Buddha Day Celebration! 🌸

A meaningful day honoring three special occasions in one:
✨ Buddha’s Birthday
✨ Mother’s Day
✨ Global Tzu Chi Day

Together, we celebrate compassion, gratitude, and Tzu Chi’s 60th anniversary 💙

Let’s come together in prayer and reflection, honoring the Buddha, expressing our love for our mothers, and uniting our hearts in joyful celebration.

🪷 All are welcome. We look forward to celebrating with you!

📍 Midwest Region Office (1430 Plainfield Rd., Darien IL 60561)
🗓️ May 9, 2026
⏰ 4:30 PM

Discover more Buddha Day locations: https://tzuchi.us/buddha-day

04/28/2026

Chong Hsieh has been named this year’s Disaster Relief Hero by American Red Cross .

For more than 30 years, Chong has served as Executive Director of Tzu Chi USA’s Midwest Region, guiding volunteers in delivering compassionate relief across Illinois and neighboring states. Rooted in the teachings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, Tzu Chi’s mission is to relieve suffering with love, dignity, and respect, values reflected in every disaster response.

When a powerful tornado outbreak struck Kankakee, Illinois in March 2026, Tzu Chi volunteers were quick to respond. Under Chong’s leadership, teams mobilized to assess damage and care for affected families. In April, volunteers distributed financial aid to near 40 households, along with blankets, food, and essential supplies, offering both immediate relief and comfort in a time of uncertainty.

Relief efforts continued across state lines. In Lake Village, Indiana, volunteers provided additional financial assistance to over 20 households, along with food and daily necessities. These efforts reflect Tzu Chi’s commitment to going wherever help is needed, working alongside partners like the Red Cross to serve communities with efficiency and compassion.

This recognition honors not only Chong’s decades of leadership, but also the collective dedication of Tzu Chi volunteers, who continue to show up, time and again, bringing timely support, heartfelt care, and hope to families on the long road to recovery.

12/03/2025

Thank you! 💙 Your support helps us bring disaster relief and compassionate care to those who need it most. Your generosity and year-round love mean the world to us. 🙏

This year’s may have come to a close, but the love you shared will touch lives far beyond a single day. Thank you for your support. 🙏

Your compassion fuels every step of our humanitarian work, from helping communities recover after disasters to supporting families through their most challenging moments. Your GivingTuesday kindness and your support year-round truly make all the difference. ❤️💫

12/02/2025

✨ 2025 Year in Review ✨

This year, we delivered , essential , , , and community outreach nationwide. Thank you for helping us uplift those in need.

Here’s to a compassionate 2026, together. 💛

Give today for : https://tzuchi.us/givingtuesday

11/05/2025

🌪️ Relief After Tornadoes in Kentucky 🤝

After devastating tornadoes struck London and Somerset, Kentucky, our volunteers rushed to bring care and hope to those affected. 💙

On distribution day, 291 survivors from 103 households received emergency relief, totaling $76,000 in cash cards to help uplift families on their journey to rebuilding.

In times of disaster, compassion brings us together.

Read more at our blog: https://tzuchi.us/blog/bringing-relief-to-kentucky-tornado-survivors