Food Drive Led By South Windsor Students Celebrates Diwali Spirit

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Aided by active participation from children of various South Windsor schools, three nonprofit organizations recently spearheaded a remarkable food drive in celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights.

The goal was to embrace the holiday's spirit of joy, light and generosity by donating food to "Hands on Hartford," a nonprofit serving the Greater Hartford area. Centered around the theme "Sewa Diwali," the team collected over 1,500 pounds of items, including breakfast cereals, pasta, canned goods, rice and other household necessities.

The organizations involved in the drive were Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS), a nonprofit which aims to coordinate the Hindu American community to practice, preserve, and advance ideals and values of Hindu; Hungry to Feed the Hungry, promoting feeding the needy; and Hoysala Kannada Koota, which promotes Kannada cultural values.

South Windsor High School freshman Om Chakraborty said, "I was proud to be part of serving such a great cause. The experience taught me firsthand how a small effort with a big heart can uplift spirits."

Another volunteer said, "We celebrate light, happiness and safety with our loved ones, so by ensuring people don't worry about putting food on the table, we share that comfort."

The food drive spanned months of meticulous planning and demonstrated the groups' dedication to positively impacting the community. The donated items will aid over one thousand Hartford families monthly.

"By fusing Diwali's essence with selfless service, this drive exemplified the festival's true meaning - spreading light, love and nourishment," Chakraborty said. "Their collective effort alongside the South Windsor community embodied the holiday's ideal by transforming festive joy into real help for those in need."