Between July 21st and September 15th , Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care organised a ‘Back-to-School’ distribution drive across 16 cities in the United States. ‘Back-to-School’ marks the time when children prepare to return to school after the summer break, often needing new supplies like notebooks, pens and backpacks.
Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care aimed to support underprivileged students by providing essential educational items, ensuring that they would be prepared for the new academic year with enthusiasm.
The drive mobilised hundreds of volunteers aged 5 to 75, who helped source, pack and distribute over 85,000 educational items, such as writing instruments, notebooks, backpacks, folders, etc. Supplies were distributed to local community centres and public schools, majority of which are ‘Title I’ schools, who receive government funding to assist low-income students. Centres also partnered with local NGOs to maximise outreach efforts.
The 16 centres included Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Cherry Hill, Dallas, Edison, Houston, Indianapolis, Long Island, Los Angeles, Parsippany, Philadelphia, Princeton, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., benefitting over 30 schools and organisations.
Several recipients expressed their gratitude. Ms. Ashley Davis, Corporate Relations Director at Community Partners of Dallas, shared, “The children we serve often don’t start the school year with the supplies they need. Thanks to your contributions, we can provide them with the essentials to begin a successful school year!”.
Ms. Amanda Chansingh, Coordinator of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Brentwood Union Free School District, New York, added, “Your generous contribution of supplies was invaluable. Your dedication to service and your philosophy of love and care are truly inspiring!”.
Students in San Diego and Austin left heart-felt handwritten thank-you notes for volunteers. A 6 th grade student from Wangenheim Middle School, San Diego, wrote, “I got some items for my brother and myself. He is in kindergarten and he loved the stuff! My mom cannot really afford these things and we really love that you helped us. Thank you!”.
We express our gratitude to the Master for leading by example and teaching us how to serve others selflessly!