By Tanishka Sharma and Shibhany Nandhakumar
As the holidays come along, we’re excited to talk about how we love to support our community!! The impact of SAIVA’s work goes beyond just the gifts. We’re helping people feel seen, valued, and supported.
Illness and hospital stays can be isolating, but with our gifts, we’re able to remind patients that they’re not alone.
Knowing that our small acts of kindness can make a difference is incredibly rewarding and inspiring.
Volunteering with SAIVA has shown me the power of serving others with a pure heart and a willing spirit. Through our work, we’re not only helping those in need but also becoming better people ourselves.
For anyone looking to make a difference, SAIVA is a place where faith, compassion, and action come together to create a meaningful impact.
One of our volunteers shares their experience
“Volunteering has taught me that giving back to others can change lives, including our own. I joined SAIVA, a non-profit, Hindu-inspired volunteer organization dedicated to supporting people in need.
SAIVA, which stands for South Asians’ International Volunteer Association, is built around the core values of kindness and compassion – values central to the Hindu faith.
As part of SAIVA, we work together to create heartfelt gifts for patients in hospitals, spreading positivity and hope to people facing some of the toughest times in their lives.”
The Heart of SAIVA’s Mission
SAIVA’s mission is to serve those in need by combining faith, community, and compassion. Though rooted in Hindu principles, SAIVA’s work is open to anyone, regardless of background or belief. SAIVA volunteers believe in “seva,” a Sanskrit word that means selfless service, and that’s exactly what we aim to do.
By creating and delivering gifts to hospital patients, we’re doing more than just offering a thoughtful gesture; we’re trying to bring a little light to people who are going through hard times.
Making Gifts, Making a Difference
One of the ways SAIVA volunteers support patients is by crafting handmade gifts to brighten up hospital rooms.
We create gift bags filled with things like cozy socks, blankets, art supplies, inspirational cards, and even handmade crafts.
There was one event that SAIVA has done recently for leukemia patients at The Apple Campus in Austin on 11/5/24, where we made blankets and bracelets to provide them.
The idea is to make something that can provide comfort and bring a smile to someone’s face, reminding them that there are people out there who care deeply about their well-being.
These gifts might seem small, but for a patient spending days or even months in the hospital, they can mean the world.
Creating these gifts is also an amazing experience for us volunteers.
We meet regularly to work on them together, whether it’s decorating bags, making crafts, or writing personal notes.
Every item we make is carefully chosen and packed, knowing that it has the power to lift someone’s spirits.
Faith in Action: Serving Through Seva
As a Hindu organization, SAIVA is dedicated to putting the teachings of our faith into action. Hinduism emphasizes compassion, empathy, and service to others, and SAIVA’s work is a beautiful example of these values in action.
Through “seva,” we learn that helping others isn’t just an act of kindness – it’s a way to honor our beliefs and create positive change in the world around us.
Our volunteering also helps break stereotypes. People sometimes think religious groups are only about rituals, but SAIVA shows that religion can inspire us to serve.
Through SAIVA, we’re connecting with our faith on a deeper level and realizing that one of the most powerful ways to express it is by supporting others, regardless of their background.
Community and Connection
Volunteering with SAIVA isn’t just about giving back; it’s also about creating community. We’re a group of people of all ages who want to make a difference.
Together, we share stories, learn from each other, and form strong bonds.
We’re united by a common goal: to bring hope and positivity to those in need.
And as young volunteers, we get to learn valuable lessons about empathy, teamwork, and leadership.
SAIVA always appreciates the commitment of volunteers. We are always looking for more people to join us!
If you’re interested in volunteering or supporting our work, you can visit our website at saiva.org! Happy Holidays!
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