Early on in the pandemic, I saw a news feature of Yin Chang and Moonlynn Tsai rallying with their community to provide hot meals to Asian elders throughout the New York City area through their Heart of Dinner organization. Months later, my friend and I were talking over dinner about how I yearned to get back into doing creative projects and she reminded me of Heart of Dinner and suggested I illustrate the paper bags they use to package their food. The stresses of the pandemic and work felt me feeling drained, and also not in the headspace to craft and create, which in turn left my creative bucket feeling very empty. I was so motivated by Julie’s suggestion that I emailed the organization the very next day.

At first, I was taken aback by the fifty bag minimum, but I had the best time brainstorming what to paint. With things feeling so out of control in my life and in the world, each brush stroke felt so therapeutic and relaxing. It also warmed my heart knowing I was creating something for such a worthy cause.

Attaching illustrated notes cards that were so beautifully done by another volunteer.