The Shakas/Balgokulams in various Vibhags that conducted the Diwali food drive in 2009 are
1. Bloomington, IL shakha
2. Mundelein, Abhimanyu and Naperville-Aurora shakhas from Chicago land
3. Bentonville- Springdale- Fayetteville Shakha from Arkansas
4. Appleton, Wisconsin Vibhag
5. Troy, Michigan, Vibhag
6. Eagan, Minnesota Vibhag
1) Illinois Vibhag food drive:
Ÿ The Lake County Balagokulam Shakha of Mundelein along with Sewa International celebrated Diwali by conducting a food drive in the Mundelein community. Volunteers made Diwali food-drive fliers and distributed them at the shakhas and families in the neighborhood. Vegetarian non-perishable food items including personal care products were collected and offered to the local food pantry. On Oct 31, 2009 the Diwali Food drive concluded at Fremont Township. Mr. Tekampe, the Fremont Township Supervisor welcomed everyone and explained the operation of the pantry. It way a joyful experience for the participating children. The Mayor of Mundelein, Mr. Kenneth H. Kessler proclaimed October 15 to October 30, 2009 as Diwali, Indian Festival of Lights in the city of Mundelein on Oct 26, 2009. During the village board meeting, HSS – Balagokulam team was invited to explain about Diwali and Sangh work. Mrs. Yashaswini Desai summarized HSS activities and wished everyone a Happy Diwali and a Happy New Year.
Ÿ As part of Diwali celebrations, Naperville Balagokulam undertook a food drive to help serve the needy in the Naperville-Aurora area. This event culminated with donation of over 1200 pounds of food to the “Fishes and Loaves” food pantry in Aurora on Oct 31st 2009. Over 40 karyakartas volunteered in this project including 3 organizations and 5 stores. Approximately 200 families donated food during this period. The drive was also featured in the local media. Naperville mayor's office issued a proclamation on this event.
Ÿ Abhimanyu Shakha conducted a Diwali food drive filled with enthusiasm and energy. Food items and cash donations were collected from Shakha members. A visit was made to the Elk Grove Food Pantry right after Diwali on Oct 18th and all the collected and purchased food items were donated. National HSS Pracharak Saumitra Ji Gokhale accompanied karyakartas during this visit. Nancy Clarbour from this Food Pantry was elated to see HSS Karyakartas again this year. She thanked Karyakartas for remembering the Food Pantry and bringing essential food items on the occassion of Diwali.Ÿ Bloomington Diwali food drive in the twin cities of Bloomington-Normal was organized by local Shakas and Sewa International with active participation from the Indian community. The Diwali food drive 2009 was initiated on September 19th at the HTBN Bhoomi Parichay event. Collection centers were established at Sate Farm Insurance and Indian grocery stores (Namaste Plaza, R K Groceries and Spice Express). Non-perishable Food collection was conducted from Sept 19 to Oct 19, 2009.
2) Arkansas: NWA Chapter of HSS: Dipawali Food Drive
On the auspicious occasion of Dipawali 2009, like most other shakhas across USA,
the HSS shakas of Northwest Arkansas took up the noble cause of food drive for the community. This food drive captured the spirit of President Barack Obama’s words, “While this is a time of rejoicing, it's also a time for reflection, when we remember those who are less fortunate and renew our commitment to reach out to those in need.'' The food drive was carried out from Oct 19-27th. The campaign was carried out by contacting personal friends and families, emailing various groups and distributing flyers in Indian grocery store and to over 300 residents. Food items were collected from communities across Northwest Arkansas including Bentonville, Springdale and Fayetteville.
Around 100 lb of collected non-perishable items included oil, canned food, cookies, nuts, nutrition bars; grains etc. were handed over to the co-ordinators at Life Source International, a non-profit organization that operates a food bank in the area. This program was conducted in presence of the Mr. Lioneld Jordan, Mayor of Fayetteville. It was an impressive occasion in the Mayor’s office where the Mayor arranged a special session with photo-journalists and personally thanked HSS and its volunteers Sandesh Prabhudesai, Sameer Wagle, Ajoy Chatterjee and Rajendra Kelkar. for all their efforts . The meeting concluded with the Mayor awarding a certificate of appreciation to the NWA chapter of HSS.
In response to the food drive conducted by HSS, Cecilia Smith, Development Director at Life Source sent out an appreciative email to HSS: “Thank you so much for the donation of non-perishable food items. Your donations are greatly appreciated and will help us feed many needy families in Northwest Arkansas”.
3) Appleton, WI: Raw Food was collected from Shaka families, friends and local community Indian groceries. Swamsevaks prepared food and dinner seva/langar was conducted and donated to the Local Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) in Menasha, WI. Around 50 people were served dinner that night.
4) Troy, MI: Non-Perishable items and packaged food items for the local food pantry were collected by HSS Volunteers by spreading the message of Diwali and reaching out to the local community. Departmental stores in the neighborhood and the Michigan Indian community actively participated in the drive.
5) Eagan, MN-
The Eagan Shakha / Balagokulam Karyakartas enthusiastically started bringing in donations on the auspicious Diwali weekend. The drive ended on November 22, 2009 and the donated items were deposited at the food shelf of the Eagan Family Resource Center on November 24, 2009. The Shakha collected several items ranging from cans of soup and vegetables to boxed items such as cereal, pasta, crackers, toilet paper etc and monetary donations. The food shelf co-coordinators were extremely pleased with the donations and appropriately extended their thanks to the Shakha karyakartas for the 2009 Diwali food drive and also fondly commented on the memories of the HSS food drive in 2008.The slogan adopted was “Let us get together to fight hunger”
