I'm a Vietnamese refugee. I came to America when I was 4 years old, with my sister and my father, who was only in his young twenties. We risked out lives, escaping by hiding in a watermelon export boat headed to Thailand. My mother couldn't go with us because she was pregnant and no amount of payment would be acceptable for the boat captain to risk the life of a woman and her unborn child. My mom eventually came with my baby brother and took the 'boat people' journey to Thailand. That was even more dangerous as the boats were not equipped for large sea travel, piracy threatened their lives and being taken into slavery.
Fortunately for us, we were reunited as a family after fleeing our homeland. Many Vietnamese refugees didn't see family members ever again, or lost them to the sea or imprisonment. Life in Queens, NYC was hard for us. We lived in poverty in a rent-controlled apartment. Electrical blackouts, lack of hot water, rodents, roaches, and crimes were are part of my life growing up. My parents worked very hard to have a safe home for us, food, and education. My father worked at a restaurant that was too far away so he only came home one day a week. My mother worked in a textile sweat shop and worked herself to exhaustion which required hospitalization. Toys, books, new clothes, and anything else outside of bare necessities wasn't available to me.
Today, my parents are doing very well for themselves and have long moved out of our old neighborhood in Queens. I am a college graduate with a successful specialty toy store in Chicago. I have 2 locations and just celebrated 19 years of being about to spread fun and joy to kids and families. I know there are many kids and families out there who can't afford the wonderful toys and books I offer at Building Blocks Toy Store, so I give back with these families in mind. I work with many charities and schools who affect the children that are growing up in similar circumstances that I experienced as a child.
I love working with the Association House of Chicago because they share my 'heart & spirit' of making a difference in the lives of children and families in our local community. The administration and the volunteers truly care about their work and are always so appreciative of my contribution. This non-profit organization is full of love and generosity.
What inspires me to give? I give because I know how much it means to another who needs it. I give because I have so much. Being able to give is a privilege and I am grateful to be in that position to do so.
Review from #MyGivingStory