COVID-19 has upended our lives in ways we never imagined, and the ensued challenges are testing our resilience to its seams. Like many, I find myself constantly yearning for positive stories during this period of perpetual uncertainty. Fortunately, the myriad of ‘bright spots’ emanating from Be the Change South Asian Young Giving Circle, continue to warm our hearts with inspiring acts of kindness and compassion by our young virtual volunteers. Dazzled by their relentless spirit of service, I love to call them budding humanitarians, change-makers, and emerging leaders as they truly embody the essence of humanity.
Since its inception in 2018, South Asian Young Giving Circle has raised over $33,000 in funds and issued grants to nine nonprofits supporting multiple causes in the region. Besides monetary support, the member families and children regularly volunteer their time and skills to help close the resource gap for local charities. The pandemic has hit nonprofits the hardest as they are struggling to meet the rising demand for services with plummeting funds and volunteer support.
Realizing the shifting needs of our community, our CFT team pivoted swiftly and created a comprehensive list of remote volunteering opportunities adhering to social distancing guidelines. We shared the list with the giving circle on April 6, 2020, and are astounded by the zealous participation of families and children as apparent through these stories.
Navya, a 10-year-old, is a ferocious reader with a natural ability to engage kids through her enticing storytelling style. Navya has published close to ten YouTube videos over the past few months, bringing immense joy to the kids at Vogel Alcove. Additionally, Navya’s family adopted Signature Pointe on the Lake for the Senior Source and sent over forty hand-drawn notes of encouragement to cheer seniors during the lockdown.
Ria, 12-year-old, assembled twenty ‘Calm Down Kits’ for Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center to provide coping support to abused children working through difficult situations. The kits include therapeutic sensory items, such as coloring or activity books, crayons, journal and gel pens, snacks, and squishy toys along with personalized encouraging notes by Ria and her family.
Syrus, 12-year-old, created a ‘thank you’ video for Healthcare Heroes Campaign to express gratitude and appreciation to all healthcare professionals on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis. Energy Transfer donates $50 to Parkland Foundation’s Public Health Preparedness Fund for each video. Syrus also made encouragement notes for senior citizens at The Village of Dallas to convey caring thoughts to seniors in isolation.
The precedent set by these young volunteers is just the tip of the iceberg, and we have an avalanche of possibilities lie ahead of us. As a harbinger of hope and optimism, these comforting tales are the incessant source of light keeping us together during these turbulent times.
If you feel inspired and looking for meaningful ways to support our community, check out these links, Virtual Volunteer Opportunities, Nonprofit wish lists, CFT’s Covid-19 response efforts, and do not forget to share your bright spots with us.
