Heritage in a Jar: Celebrating Chinese Culture
For the past five years, our Mason Jar Lunar New Year Project has brought together students and families to celebrate Chinese culture through creativity and community giving. Each year, our volunteers design and craft beautiful mason jars filled with festive treats, handwritten blessings, and traditional decorations to share the joy of the Lunar New Year.
More than just a fundraiser, this project preserves cultural heritage, promotes sustainability by upcycling jars, and strengthens community bonds. Proceeds have supported environmental initiatives, youth education, and local charities. As we celebrate our fifth year, we’re proud of the impact we've made and look forward to continuing this meaningful tradition!
Background: Faye first encountered the Lunar New Year Zodiac tradition in Chinese class, sparking the idea for a Zodiac-themed mason jar project. As the founder, Faye led a team of 20 from Shine4Love Teens Club on this fundraiser since 2021, initially supporting American adoptive families during the Covid-19 pandemic. A video tutorial helped guide the team’s collaboration, raising $670 in 2021, $740 in 2022, and $1800 in 2023. In 2023, half the funds were donated to Mission Blue Hope Spots for ocean conservation. For the upcoming 2024 Dragon Year, the team has already secured over 40 orders.
2023 - Year of Rabbit:
On January 6, 2023, the team proudly delivered the first large order of 30 jars to a local Buddhist cultural center. And adding another order of 47 jars from outside customers before Chinese New Year.
The Chinese Zodiac:
Chinese zodiac, or shengxiao (/shnng-sshyao/ 'born resembling'), is represented by 12 zodiac animals. In order, they are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. These animals are believed to have a certain influence on the personality and fortune of people born in the corresponding year. The Chinese zodiac is also closely tied to traditional Chinese culture and folklore.
The Chinese zodiac is a widely recognized and revered aspect of Chinese culture and it could add an element of tradition and meaning to the jar designs.
The team have successfully designed three years of animal figures (Ox, Tiger, and Rabbit) and are thrilled for the upcoming dragon year in 2024.
2022 -Year of Tiger
In the year of the Tiger, 2022, the team hosted a hybrid mason jar event. Teens gathered at the Able2Shine classroom to prime the jars and spray the lids. Experienced teens took the jars home to draw the design. It was a great teamwork to make it happen.
The team partnered with Fantasia Coffee & Tea for a fundraiser event. Faye hosted a sales training session to get everyone involved and sell the jar together. It was a lot of fun. Salute to the parents. The project couldn't have come this far without your support.
2021 - Year of Ox
The year of the Ox, 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for people to gather in person. So Faye created a video DIY for the team.
The year of the Ox brought another unexpected challenge to the sales. Online sales were slower than expected, partly due to issues with the online purchase platform, communication, and payment process, as well as delivery coordination and timing. However, a supportive local milk tea store, TeaZenTea, helped to display their jars and generously invited the team to promote the jar in the store.
Despite the challenges, the team completed their mission, and even raised more funding for American adopted children.
Shine4Love Teens Club
The Shine4Love Teens Club is part of the Able2Shine Foundation and was created in 2019. It is open to kids 12 and older and helps them develop communication and leadership skills through teamwork. The club also helps teens improve soft skills and encourages them to give back to their community through a range of activities and events.
Faye has been an active member and leader with the Shine4Love Teens Club since 2019, where she has grown and learned a lot, while also making lasting friendships. You are more than welcomed to join Shine4Love Teens Club and discover your true potential as a leader, a team player, and a community member!
