Rockaway NJ – Sep 15, 2024 – Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA announces the successful “Vidyadaan” school supplies donation drive, organized by 13 regional chapters nationwide. The initiative aimed to alleviate the financial burden on needy students and empower them for academic success by providing essential school supplies. The effort saw enthusiastic participation from HSS volunteers and families, who donated over 2,000 backpacks, notebooks, and other school stationery, benefitting almost 2,400 students altogether.
The Central Pacific region took the lead, with chapters organizing creative fundraising efforts to support local school districts. In Mountain House, California, young volunteers set up a Pani Puri stand with the help of their parents, raising funds to donate 35 backpacks filled with supplies to SJQ Child Support. In Pleasanton, another Shakha chapter raised funds by selling savory Indian snacks, lassi, and tea, joining hands to extend support. In San Joaquin County, a collaborative effort between the HSS chapter and local cultural organizations, including the San Joaquin Kannada Sangha, Mountain House Bengali Association, Central Valley Marathi Mandali, and Central Valley Gujarati Association, resulted in the donation of 167 backpacks to four beneficiary organizations. Gauri Shakha contributed by setting up a buttermilk stand at local cricket matches and donating its proceeds to the Jefferson School District.
Other regions saw equally inspiring initiatives. The Tri-Valley Shakhas—spanning Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton—came up with creative fundraising ideas, including a Bake Sale by the Kishor Shakha, a Jewelry workshop and Lemonade Stall by the Bala Gana, and a Chaat Corner and Walkathon by the Family Shakha. Each event raised funds that enabled the donation of supplies to local school districts.
In Contra Costa, Rudra Shakha donated 70 backpacks filled with school supplies to Brentwood Union School District, while the Ayodhya and Chanakya Shakhas in San Ramon Valley Unified School District contributed more than 50 backpacks to Los Cerros Middle School. The Columbus, Ohio HSS chapter partnered with Sewa International USA to host an annual school supply drive, donating much-needed supplies to Royal Manor Elementary School. Similarly, the Subramanya Bharathi Shakha in Seattle, Washington, donated 22 backpacks filled with supplies like crayons, glue sticks, and calculators to the Lake Washington School District.
Houston, Texas, saw the Madhav Shakha raise funds through pledges and donate 180
backpacks to Alcott Elementary School. The school’s principal praised the effort: “The backpacks with all the supplies get our students ready to learn!”
In Chicago, HSS continued its tradition of supporting School District #33 by donating approximately 1,200 notebooks—surpassing the school district’s request for 1,000. The Abhimanyu, Vivekananda, and Panchjanya Shakhas led this effort, with children from Buffalo Grove Shakha raising funds through lemonade stands and personal savings.
The “Vidyadaan” drive represents HSS’s commitment to education and empowerment and reflects the organization’s core values of selfless service (Seva) and collective social
responsibility. The efforts have left a lasting impact on students and school districts across the country, helping young learners start the school year with the tools they need for success.
About Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA
HSS USA is a nonprofit cultural organization that aims to preserve and promote Hindu values and culture in the United States. Through community service initiatives and character-building programs, HSS engages individuals of all ages in activities that foster personal development and social responsibility.
