2018 Chinese New Year Event at the Bergen Health Care Center

On March 17, both FASCA and NNJCA students went to the Bergen Health Care Center to participate in a Chinese New Year event and interact with the seniors. It was organized by FASCA Vice President Amber Leung and it was one of the first student created programs in North Jersey.

Three years ago, Leung created this program by working with the director of the center and brought it over to a group called Songbird under NNJCA. This program was successful in past years, however due to the fact this Chinese New Year event needs a lot of helping hands and many members were not available, she reached out to FASCA and NNJCA. In total, there were 6 members who helped the event, as well as dedicated parents. Materials distributed included handmade posters and 35 red pockets.

Since many of the members have not volunteered at senior homes before, prior to working with the seniors, they held a meeting in which they informed safety procedures and correct ways interact with the residents. In addition, the group reviewed Chinese culture - before teaching others about tradition, they needed to familiarize themselves.

The volunteers then went cottage to cottage (total of 4 cottages) and taught the seniors the story of “The 12 Zodiacs.” The first cottage was most awake, with seniors that were able to play games with them and talk with them - when the volunteers asked questions about Chinese New Year, many could respond with a loud, "It's the Year of the Dog!" But, as they went down the line, they were met with more seniors that had lost the ability to communicate effectively. Even so, the members were able to think of new ways to spread Chinese culture - singing and teaching them "GongXiGongXi" and handing out red pockets. All the volunteers, one-on-one, interacted with the seniors, as many of them could not do move their hands or legs easily. Many of the seniors, who did not want to participate at first, ended up being some of the most enthusiastic people in the audience, taking lead in crowd responses and singing.

At the end, the volunteer group concluded with a meeting, where they encouraged members to take lead in their own volunteer events and create original events in their community in the future.

With the patience and effort of all directors, members, and parents, the program was said to be a success. Not only did members teach the senior citizens about Chinese culture, the interaction between them truly showed how meaningful the program was - nothing can trump the smiles that were on the seniors' faces when they saw the volunteers.

Leung would love to advance this event within the community, expanding their efforts to various senior homes and other places in need - this program is meant to spread happiness to all and give back to those who need it most. The group looks forward to working with the Center in the near future and can't wait to continue to give back to the community.