CYOC activities – Page 9 – 华府青年 CYOC

My Experience with the “Grand Performance Celebrating the 30th Anniversary for the Establishment of the Chinese Alumni Associations of Greater Washington (CAAGW)”

Jaylynne Yang 9/09/23

On Saturday, August 9, I attended a celebration of the 30th anniversary of CAAGW, which is an nonprofit organization that promotes friendship among the Chinese community and with others. There were so many unique performances performed by people of all ages; from choirs to all kinds of dances, it was a truly spectacular show. All the shows were able to showcase Chinese culture and I felt really good being able to connect with my culture and see the many talents of people in my community.I volunteered to help with the organization of the event to make it run smoothly. My friend Jennifer W. and I stood at the entrance directing people to the stage/seating area. So many people came in to watch the performance or be a part of the performance, so it was a very lively night. It was also interesting to see the detailed costumes worn by the performers. The volunteers here made this event possible by helping to move objects backstage and cleaning up. In return, we were able to enjoy a spectacular show!I am so grateful for being able to help out in this community of friends and family. Sitting in the audience listening to the dancing and singing made me want to sing too! I would also like to mention without the parents who contributed their efforts, this special event couldn’t have happened. I am looking forward to the next event from CAAGW!

CAAGW’s 30th Anniversary: Celebrating Community and Progress

By: Peishi Yu

On September 9, 2023, the Chinese Alumni Associations of Greater Washington (CAAGW) held a 30th anniversary party. This marked a significant milestone in CAAGW’s mission to foster an inclusive community.

Established in 1993, the CAAGW has become a non-profit organization composed of 78 colleges and university alum associations. This has made CAAGW into the echelons of distinction as one of the largest and most influential Chinese associations in the DMV area. The CAAGW not only serves the Chinese community, but also supports all communities unwaveringly. These 30 years have been nothing short of glorious for the CAAGW and all of its associates.

(Photo Taken by Peishi Yu)

华盛顿中国文化节2023

Author: Sophie Xu
Photographer: Sophie Xu

2023年九月二号，一年一度的华盛顿中国文化节在DC隆重开幕了。具有中国特色的美食，传统文化项目以及特色纪念品在这里齐聚一堂，来自世界各地的表演队伍在文化节的大舞台上载歌载舞，共同庆祝这个特别的日子。经过主办方，参展者以及包括CYOC在内志愿者的精心布置，各展位很快的装扮一新，华盛顿文化节的旗帜开始迎风飘扬，期待已久的文化节在歌声中开始迎接宾客的到来。

My Experience at the Chinese Cultural Festival

By Iris Li

Growing up as a Chinese-American, I always felt a bit out of place with my heritage. Not knowing the language well and feeling awkward with my appearance and food was a common struggle, and I always felt like I was too different from the Chinese kids that lived in China and were familiar with their culture. I remember the days in elementary school where I would be slightly embarrassed about my home packed lunch. While I had noodles and dumplings, the other kids had lunchables. I envied them and wished deep down that I could fit in like the rest. As I grew older and moved around to different places with my family, I could slowly feel the Chinese roots disappearing away from me. I no longer had home packed lunches, my Chinese soon got worse and I noticed myself speaking English more. As a child, I didn’t mind it much, but as a teenager now I wish I had learned Chinese and appreciated my culture.

On 3rd and 4th Street……

By Michael Li

It was a sultry afternoon on Penn Ave. Tents were assembled side to side on the asphalt road, hanging colorful flags and showing off vibrant signs. Not a single car passed through that street; at least not for the duration of such a special occasion. T’was the day of the Chinese Cultural Festival at the heart of Washington DC. T’was also the day for volunteers at their own tent, ready to attract passerby living in DC and outside tourists alike.

携手社区公益，共创美好未来

—–记华府青年（CYOC）2023 “Helping Hands Haul”夏季公益捐赠活动

作者：Joseph Shi (史庭灏)
编校：Jennifer Wan

2023年7月29日上午，阳光灿烂，热气逼人。我们华府青年（CYOC）的志愿者们不畏酷暑，在Wootton High School大门前停车场举办了主题为 “Help Hands Haul”的公益捐赠活动。

捐赠活动从9点开始。许多CYOC成员家庭和周围社区的爱心人士带着装满衣物、书籍和玩具的袋子，早早地来到活动现场。他们脸上洋溢着喜悦和关爱之情，纷纷表示愿意为有需要的人尽一份力。一时间，捐赠点热闹非凡。CYOC的志愿者们身着统一的志愿者服装，热情地招呼着前来捐赠的人们。他们个个神采奕奕，主动帮忙搬运衣物，为捐赠者提供帮助，用实际行动诠释着“Helping Hands Haul”的爱心精神。

Volunteer at “Helping Hands and Haul”

July 29 2023

By Ruichen Feng ( 6th grader)

Today is a hot summer Saturday, but helping with the used item donations made me feel it is a good day. At 9:00 am, I headed to Wootton high school to join a group of volunteers from Capital Youth Outreach club which I just joined a few weeks ago. We are doing a collaborative donation drive which is called “Helping Hands and Haul”—triple H which I thought was a pretty cool name. My job as a volunteer is to help people to load their donations into a pile. The donations would help underprivileged people get clothes, books, shoes and toys.

CYOC Helps Needy Families

Words and photographs by Matthew Wong

On July 29th, 2023, CYOC (Capital Youth Outreach Club) organized a used items drive at Thomas S. Wootton High School. Despite facing scorching temperatures and a high heat index warning issued by the National Weather Service, the volunteers persevered to make a difference. The primary objective of the drive was to extend a helping hand to families in need by collecting and donating used items. The event saw numerous donors arriving to contribute various commodities, including clothing, books, toys, and other essential items, all of which will significantly benefit those in need. The parking lot was filled with an impressive array of items generously donated by the community. From used clothing to a diverse selection of books and various other essential items, each donation reflected the spirit of care and empathy that illustrates the significance of CYOC’s mission. The success of the drive goes beyond the immediate impact on the recipients. It stands as a testament to the power of collaborative action and the importance of community-driven events. By coming together and supporting one another, the community demonstrated its commitment to building a more compassionate and equitable society.

CYOC Helping Hands Haul

By Jaylynne Yang

On the morning of July 29th, CYOC (Capital Youth Outreach Club) held a donation drive at Wootton High School for families in need. Many families pitched in and brought bags of clothes, toys, shoes, etc. to be donated to the needy. I, along with the help of other students, helped unload and carry items out of people’s cars. This experience made me feel good as I knew that my work would help the people in my community who are in need. It was great to know that our cooperative hard work would be for a good cause. Additionally, we were able to expand our mission with the help of the organization “So What Else?”. By collaborating with them, it was much easier for us to successfully transport all the items to their destination.

Cyoc Does a Donation Drive

By Jeffrey Ji

On 29 July 2023, The Capital Youth Outreach Club, or CYOC, held a donation drive at Wootton High School, at 2100 Wootton Pkwy, Rockville, MD. Over a dozen people donated over four thousand items, including clothing, shoes, toys, and books.