No one should be forgotten in a corner, especially children who have yet to understand life’s hardships. Every kind act is a step toward a better world. Even a faint glow like that of a firefly can come together to form a galaxy of warmth, illuminating those in need. Let us get to know this ordinary yet extraordinary volunteer and his story.
ICSO Outstanding Volunteer
Jiaxing Li
University of California, Berkeley – Computer Science Major
Department: ICSO·US Division
One evening, Jiaxing Li had just finished his classes and was walking home. Suddenly, he noticed a little boy, around seven or eight years old, standing helplessly on a street corner. Jiaxing walked up and asked, “Hey buddy, what’s wrong?”
The boy replied in a soft voice, “I’m hungry… I came out to find something to eat, but I can’t find my way home.”
The boy’s name was Bonnie, and his words moved Jiaxing deeply. He took Bonnie to a nearby burger restaurant and bought him a hearty meal. Watching the child eat ravenously, Jiaxing felt a pang of sadness.
“Where do you live?” he asked, hoping to help the boy find his family. Bonnie gave a vague description of the surrounding area, and after he finished eating, Jiaxing accompanied him to search for his home.
Eventually, they reached a dilapidated public space. The scene before Jiaxing was shocking: cardboard and thin blankets covered the ground, plastic bags and bottles scattered around. A group of homeless individuals had gathered there—some curled up in corners, others staring blankly, and a few cautiously watching passersby. Bonnie ran toward a man, calling out, “Dad!” The man looked up—it was Bonnie’s father. The family had lost their home due to financial hardship.
This moment left a lasting impression on Jiaxing. He realized that even in an economically advanced country like the United States, the gap between rich and poor, and homelessness, remained severe. That night, he shared the experience on social media and voiced his concern for the plight of the homeless. By chance, he came across an article about ICSO’s “Homeward” project launched by its U.S. division. The initiative focused on helping homeless individuals return to stable lives.
The article deeply resonated with Jiaxing. He understood that while his individual power was limited, through the “Homeward” project, he could offer meaningful assistance. He filled out an application and included the story of Bonnie. A few days later, he received a confirmation email from ICSO’s U.S. team—he was officially a member.
After joining the “Homeward” project, Jiaxing quickly immersed himself in community service. He and his team provided essentials—especially food and blankets—to homeless families and children. At a shelter, Jiaxing handed out baby formula and dry food. He was moved when he saw tears of gratitude in a mother’s eyes as she received formula for her crying infant. Unbothered by the noise or the untidy environment, Jiaxing stayed with the mother, helping to soothe the baby. This heartfelt gesture brought warmth and comfort to many parents at the shelter.
Two months later, Jiaxing launched a campus initiative called the “Clothing Reuse Program.” Noticing that many students frequently discarded clothes while homeless individuals lacked proper winter wear, he designed a poster and shared it on campus bulletin boards and social media. The poster listed donation times and locations, encouraging students to contribute clothes that could help homeless people stay warm.
The response was overwhelming. Many students eagerly donated unused clothing. Some even contacted Jiaxing via social media, offering to organize group donations. During the event, Jiaxing and his team collected over 500 pieces of clothing—coats, sweaters, scarves, gloves—which were sorted and delivered to a temporary shelter. Jiaxing vividly remembers handing a thick winter coat to a homeless man, who shyly bowed his head and whispered, “Thank you.” At that moment, Jiaxing felt the power of public service—realizing that beyond material aid, it was emotional support that truly mattered.
Later, Jiaxing organized an online forum on homelessness, inviting students, professors, and community members. During the discussion, he shared his experience with the “Homeward” project and explored how education and employment support could help reintegrate homeless individuals into society. He emphasized that homelessness isn’t only an economic issue, but one of identity and social belonging. Education and vocational training, he argued, are essential to long-term solutions.
After the forum, he gathered a group of volunteers to collaborate with local nonprofits, providing job coaching and skills training. They helped individuals build résumés, practiced mock interviews, and reached out to local businesses for job opportunities. Jiaxing knew that only through education and employment could the homeless achieve self-reliance and regain their dignity.
Jiaxing not only helped many homeless individuals in practice, but also shared the progress and reflections of his work on social media, calling for greater public awareness. His posts attracted widespread attention and support. More and more students joined in, some offering to donate materials or volunteer their time.
His efforts not only changed the lives of the homeless, but also sparked a broader community conversation. Through his actions and firsthand experiences, Jiaxing showed that the homeless are not a hopeless group—every person deserves to be seen and helped.
“Homeward” is more than just a charity project—it’s a journey of care and hope. Jiaxing says:
“I’m willing to be a tiny light in the darkness, helping others see the hope in life, and warming the souls of those who have lost their way.”