Vidyadaan-Backpack Drive by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Chicago
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) is a voluntary, nonprofit, social and cultural organization. HSS in the United States started in 1989 and today has over 250 chapters in 32 states across the country.
HSS conducts structured programs of regular athletic and academic activities to develop self-discipline, self-confidence, and a spirit of selfless service (Seva) for humanity.
Vidya means knowledge and Daan means sharing. As per Hindu values, Daan has very significant importance in Hindu culture. If we give money to needy people, it can be spent and nothing will remain with the person, but instead, if we provide education, it will stay with the person lifelong. School supplies and backpacks are the basic needs of all children.
As per national statistics, teachers are spending an average of $750 per child for the school year. Many children and families are not having proper school supplies due to the increasing prices of school supplies and the Pandemic. A new backpack and school supplies can definitely boost children's confidence and self-esteem for a successful school year.
The average back-to-school spending per household in the United States has gradually increased year on year to reach about 865 U.S. dollars in 2022. In the United States, most back-to-school shopping typically takes place around the end of July and the beginning of August.
As a part of Daan, HSS Chicago is organizing Sewa-Diwali for the last two years and, Backpack Drive for the first time. HSS has 6 Branches in Chicagoland, located in Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Naperville, Bensenville, and Chicago Downtown.
HSS Backpack Drive was for two weeks in August and with volunteers' help, able to provide backpacks and back-to-school supplies to three beneficiaries.
HSS, Chicago participated in School Dist. 54's event "Pack the Bus" a back-to-school supplies drive on Aug 6, and donated school supplies for low-income students.
Shelter Inc. (Arlington Heights, IL) is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families. HSS Chicago has donated 15 Backpacks along with school supplies kits to the Shelter Inc.
Humanitarian Service Project (Carol Stream, IL) is supporting the elderly, children, and their families in DuPage and Kane county. HSS Chicago along with KS Foundation donated 33 backpacks and school supplies kits to them.
"Annadanam maha danam - vidya danam atah param |
Annena kshanika thripthihi - yavajjivanthu vidyayaa ||"
Serving food to the needy is a service of high order and so is serving to teach. Food gives momentary satisfaction to the recipient, the satisfaction of becoming learned remains with the recipient throughout his lifetime.