The collective efforts of Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care in the United States and Canada had a substantial impact on the communities served.
Overview of Los Angeles initiatives
1. Hygiene Kit and Inspirational Card Donations
In Los Angeles, volunteers contributed handmade inspirational cards and hygiene kits containing essential items. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with ‘Down But Not Out’ (DBNO), benefiting the homeless community on Skid Row.
2. Food Distribution at Orange County Rescue Mission
Volunteers prepared and donated rice and bean bags to the Orange County Rescue Mission. Additionally, handwash kits were also provided, benefitting over 600 homeless people.
Overview of San Diego initiatives
1. Inspirational cards to lift the spirits of those who need it the most
In San Diego, inspirational handmade cards were offered to several hospitalised children and their families at the Ronald McDonald House of Charities. This initiative aimed to provide emotional support to families facing challenging circumstances.
2. Supporting Sharia’s Closet
Volunteers donated gently used clothes and shoes to Sharia’s Closet, a charitable organisation providing emergency clothing to individuals and families in financial crisis.
3. Assistance to Birthline of San Diego County, Inc.
A significant contribution was made to Birthline of San Diego County Inc., a local social organisation. This included gently used clothes, toys, baby wipes, books, diapers, a baby play mat, stroller, and other essential items for kids.
Overview of San Francisco initiatives
1. Clothing and diaper donations to San Leandro Unified School District
Volunteers donated diapers and gently used clothes to unwed teenage mothers and needy families in the San Leandro Unified School District.
2. Support for LifeMoves Villas
Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care donated 1,000 diapers of various sizes, wipes, and 100 pairs of Bombas socks to underprivileged families sheltered in LifeMoves Villas.
3. Diaper donations to Building Futures
Three boxes of diapers, containing a total of 200 diapers and 500 wipes per box, were donated to Building Futures, a non-profit organization sheltering individuals and families struggling with homelessness and domestic violence.
Overview of Austin initiatives
1. Support at Mt Cavary Mission Baptist Church Community Fest
In Austin, volunteers supported the less privileged at a community fest organized by Mt Calvary Mission Baptist Church. Approximately 50 hygiene kits were donated, each including essential items such as shampoo, shower gel, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, body cream, bandages, sanitiser, hand wipes, etc.
Overview of Dallas initiatives
1. Healthy snack support to Malvern Elementary school
In Dallas, healthy snacks were procured using gift cards provided by Target stores. These snacks were offered to Malvern Elementary, a Title 1 school serving both special children and those below the poverty line.
Overview of Long Island Spiritual Centre initiatives
1. Motivational Handmade Cards
Volunteers from the Long Island Spiritual Centre prepared motivational cards to uplift the spirits of those facing difficulties. These cards were thoughtfully offered to Ronald McDonald House, Plainview Hospital, and North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset.
2. Clothes Distribution to Salvation Army of Freeport
Indian clothes were distributed to the Salvation Army of Freeport, contributing to the organisation’s efforts to support individuals and families in need.
3. Animal care items for Save the Animal Rescue Foundation
Volunteers donated essential items such as peanut butter, dried fruits, raw nuts, pedialytes, vinegar, hand sanitisers, blankets, etc., to support Save the Animal Rescue Foundation. This initiative reflects a commitment to the well-being of animals.
Overview of Parsippany Initiatives
1. American International Group (AIG) volunteer and support hygiene drive
The Parsippany Centre joined hands with American International Group (AIG), who generously sponsored 400 hygiene kits (both for men and women). In a collaborative effort, 48 AIG volunteers participated in preparing these kits. The beneficiaries of these kits included Perc Shelter, Hoboken Shelter, Eva’s Village, and Market Street Mission residents, positively impacting 400 lives with over 90 hours of volunteer work.
Overview of Phoenix initiatives
1. Offering hygiene kits in association with Lions Club of Chandler
In Phoenix, Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care partnered with Lions Club of Chandler to collect and assemble hygiene supplies. The organisation donated 150 care bags to Clothes Cabin of Gilbert, an inviting store where people with low income or experiencing homelessness can shop for basic necessities free of cost. Youth volunteers also wrote inspiring handwritten cards, which were included with each care bag.
Overview of Toronto Spiritual Centre initiatives
1. Participation in Canada’s Salvation Army food sorting service
As part of community care, volunteers from the Toronto Spiritual Centre actively participated in the Toronto chapter of Canada’s Salvation Army food sorting service. The Salvation Army is an international charitable organisation providing hope and support to vulnerable people worldwide.
Volunteers spent hours sorting and packing 9,400 pounds of inbound food, 5,621 pounds of outbound food, 8 large skids of unsorted food, and 4,000 pounds of housewares. It was truly a commendable act of compassion, striving to feed hungry individuals and families.