A Handful of Hope: A Flushing Native Gives Back to The Child Center of NY

Our former client, Jun R., who received services at what is now the Macari Family Wellness Center CCBHC, and his co-organizers Kyle L. and Tamjeed A. hosted a charity fair at the Annual Flushing BID Street Festival in Flushing, Queens. Jun is a Flushing native and a young person who wants to give back. We stopped by his table to ask why.

The Child Center of NY: How did you hear about The Child Center, and what made you want to support our cause?

Jun: It’s actually kind of personal for me. When I was in elementary school, The Child Center took me in and took care of me. I grew up in Flushing, and a lot of times after school I would go there and meet with a counselor. Sometimes I’d play board games, and sometimes my mother would be there too. They helped me deal with family issues, and kept me safe and out of trouble.

The Child Center also helped support my education. I was brought to the U.S. at a very young age and struggled in school because of my limited English. My time at the [wellness] center helped me learn the language in a comfortable, low-stakes environment, and it improved my social and communication skills as well. This kind of support is absolutely crucial in neighborhoods like Flushing, and in many other low-income immigrant communities.

Finally, when my group and I set out to find a cause to support, some of the organizations we contacted never even responded. The Child Center has been continuously supportive of our little group and amazing to work with. The organization clearly cares about local communities and grassroots efforts, so I thought it was best to give back to the place that had the most direct impact on my life. Between what The Child Center did for me growing up and the true partnership you’ve shown our group, I knew this was the right choice.

Tell us about what you're selling. Why did you choose this way of giving back?

We're selling accessories like knickknacks, keychains, bracelets, and secondhand items, like old books. My friends contributed a lot too, like school supplies, crayons, erasers, glow sticks, and little stuffed animals. Our intention was to sell items that could have a second life. It’s good for the environment, and it also helps families who might be struggling, especially in New York City, where poverty and housing are big issues. This seemed like an easy way for people to buy something they like and support the organization at the same time.

Do you have a fundraising goal, or a specific program you want to benefit?

We want to dedicate the donation to The Child Center’s Family Wellness Centers to support individual and family counseling for youth, adolescents, and adults.

Our goal for today is $500.

What would you say to other young people who want to make a difference?

The most important thing is to recognize that you can give back without a lot of outside help. You don't have to be part of an organization to do something. All it takes is being a little courageous, a little bold, and having the drive to help others. Don’t do it just because you want to put it on a college application. Do it because you genuinely want to give back. The best way to start is to find a local problem you see and decide you want to do something about it. A lot of what you see at this event, I made out of cardboard at home. It's very DIY and very simple.

Also, people shouldn’t be afraid of what it might “cost” to do charity. Kindness doesn’t cost anything. Whether you’re raising money or volunteering for a local event, you’re paying back in an important way. Society doesn’t change through a few people making tremendous donations. It changes when each of us steps up and brings what we have to the table, no matter how small the contribution.

So, if you’re young and want to do something like this, just go for it. If you have the drive, prepare well, and genuinely want to help, put your heart into whatever cause or place you want to support, and it’s going to work out.

How did you get involved with this street fair?

My mother actually rented the spot, and we're sharing it. These street fairs happen every few weeks or months, so we're hoping to be back at more fairs in the future.

It's very nice that your mom let you share.

Yeah, it is!