Pearland Chinese Association Launches “COVID-19 Prevention and Love for the Community” Initiative (3.21.2020)

Amid the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the United States and the severe shortage of medical supplies nationwide, the Pearland Chinese Association (PCA), the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States (AYLUS) Pearland Chapter, and the Hua Xia Chinese School Pearland Campus jointly launched the “COVID-19 Prevention and Love for the Community” initiative on March 21, 2020. The goal was to collect urgently needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hygiene supplies to support frontline healthcare workers and first responders.

COVID-19 Escalation and Critical Supply Shortages

By late March, the United States had reported more than 163,000 confirmed cases and over 3,000 deaths. The Greater Houston area experienced a rapid increase in new cases, and local hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes faced alarming shortages of essential medical supplies.

In response, the three Pearland community organizations united to mobilize residents, encouraging donations and raising funds to help medical professionals and emergency personnel fighting the pandemic.

Strong Community Response: Over $12,000 Raised in One Week

In just one week, the Pearland Chinese community contributed more than $12,000, including supplemental funds from PCA’s limited operating budget.Youth volunteers from AYLUS Pearland raised over $3,000 in just three days.Many high school students donated from their personal savings or allowances, and one young boy used all of his Lunar New Year “lucky money” to purchase 200 protective suits for donation.

“The students learned from the news that medical supplies are in severe shortage,” said Carol Li, Pearland ISD parent and AYLUS Pearland parent advisor. “We hope our efforts can help the fight against the pandemic in a small but meaningful way.”

Volunteers Work Tirelessly to Coordinate Donations

Volunteers communicated daily with hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, the police department, and the fire department to identify needs and arrange deliveries.To procure high-demand items—such as masks, gloves, sanitizer, wipes, and protective suits—volunteers spent countless hours online searching for reliable suppliers and managing logistics.

Donations Delivered to Multiple Frontline Institutions

Thanks to the community’s collective effort, large quantities of PPE and supplies were delivered to:

• City of Pearland

• CHI St. Luke’s Health – Anesthesiology Department

• Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital

• Baylor St. Luke’s Emergency Center – Pearland

• Tuscany Village Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

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“We thank AYLUS Pearland and the Pearland Chinese Association for the timely and generous aid,” said Cecil Barcelo, administrator at Tuscany Village Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation. “Their love and effort made us feel that we are not fighting alone.”

“We are searching various methods to gain the supplies we need, so please let everyone know how much we appreciate all the help from the local Chinese community,” said Raquel Garza from the City of Pearland Fire Department.

Compassion, Unity, and Hope in a Time of Crisis

“Local residents have shown an extraordinary amount of compassion toward the community in the last few weeks,” said Xiaoling Liu, President of the Pearland Chinese Association.

“This initiative not only supported the local frontline workers but also brought residents together and fostered hope during a difficult time. People shared the love and support they have for each other. Together, we can fight the virus.”