Project Matchstick: How IACA is making a difference in the COVID-19 era

“The light from a matchstick does not illuminate the world. However, to
someone who is in total darkness, seeing that glimmer will assure him he is
not alone.” – IACA Council

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged every American since it reached our
shores. Those who did not contract the disease nevertheless face the
constant anxiety of exposure and the frustration of lengthy home
confinement.

For some, this has been compounded by financial stress due to loss of work
or closed businesses. Worse, not everyone is eligible for government relief.
Such dire circumstances have taken them to a very dark place indeed.

Meanwhile, many first responders in our community such as medical workers,
law enforcement officers, and firefighters continue to serve valiantly,
despite at times lacking even the minimal protection of a face mask.

IACA is aware of the plight confronting our fellow citizens and decided to
do our part to help. After thoughtful deliberation, we decided to divert a
portion of funds previously donated for student development (our Travel and
Learn fund) to support more urgent pandemic-related needs.

In February, we joined forces with the Indianapolis Chinese Medical
Association in purchasing PPE (personal protective equipment) for Chinese
medical workers in Wuhan, where such equipment was then in desperately short
supply. Several timely shipments were sent.

In March, inspired by this earlier effort, we realized that first responders
in our own community were lacking similar protection. As such, we purchased
1,000 surgical masks and distributed them to various police stations and
firehouses in both Marion and Hendricks counties. This gesture generated a
tremendous response of goodwill. I quote below typical thank-you sentiments
received from a local police commander and fire chief, respectively:

“We are very blessed to have such a supportive and praying community behind
us! We couldn’t do our jobs without you!”

“It truly means the world to us to know that we have such a great community
that will always support us, especially in these dire times.”

From April, we began to pass out monetary relief checks to various
organizations and individuals impacted financially by COVID-19. These
recipients included:

– A free breakfast-and-lunch program at a church school committed to
feeding their hungry students despite the school’s closure
– A local mosque that runs a food kitchen for its struggling members
– A number of needy families from the African immigrant community, whose
needs were identified by their church pastor. Upon receipt of our donation,
we received some pictures of these families–and their smiles alone were
all the acknowledgment we could have asked for.

– Multiple individuals who caught up in this unexpected crisis, discovered
that because of IACA, they are not in the dark alone.

I do like to point out that IACA has not selected recipient organizations or
individuals by their race, ethnicity, or religion, but rather by their need
alone. So far, our recipients represent a good mix reflective of our
nation’s diversity. This new virus is indiscriminate, and neither will our
benevolence discriminate. We all belong to God.

So where do we go from here? At the time of this writing, we are still
vetting additional charity organizations to offer our help. We are also
cautiously watching the trend of this pandemic, keeping some funds in
reserve in case a second wave of infection lurks around the corner.

Some generous IACA members have caught wind of our effort and sent in their
donations to our Project Matchstick Fund. We are most grateful for these
donations and will use them appropriately and wisely, to light other
matchsticks in the dark to give hope and encouragement to those in need.

On behalf of the IACA Council,

Benny Ko, M.D.

Interim President

Indiana Association of Chinese Americans