Donate Here:
https://fundraisers.giveindia.org/fundraisers/the-preschool-box-gives-back
The Coronavirus pandemic is no stranger to the spotlight. In fact, for the past 14 months, it’s been the topic of conversation and debate on a global scale. And while some countries are seeing a shift back to “normalcy”, other countries continue to struggle with the impact that Coronavirus has had on its citizens. For many in the US, the question now is, “How can we help in areas of greatest need?”. Here at The Preschool Box, we want to shed light on a particularly dire situation and provide an opportunity for those who are willing and able to step up to make a positive impact in others’ lives.
India is currently experiencing a second wave of Coronavirus outbreak that is putting a strain on an already struggling economy. Each day, the government reports more than 300,000 new infections, a world record. (As Covid-19 Devastates India, Deaths Go Undercounted, 2021) Experts, however, believe that even those numbers may not represent the full scope of affected individuals. On top of that, India has seen its death toll reach over 180,000 since the pandemic began. (Covid-19 in India: Why second coronavirus wave is devastating, 2021) Unemployment, Homelessness, and Hunger are ever increasing concerns for much of the affected areas of India. Organizations such as the Khanna Chahiye Foundation are stepping up to meet the immediate needs of the hungry. They have started a citizen led campaign in March 2020 through GiveIndia to allow people like us, who may not be able to make a direct impact overseas, to do our part to lessen the impact this second wave has had on the people of India. The campaign focuses on providing meals for homeless, migrant workers, daily wage laborers, and other vulnerable populations in the city of Mumbai. (KhaanaChahiye: Mumbai is battling hunger along with Covid-19. Again., 2021) According to the information provided on the fundraiser page, they have established a network of 15 NGO partners (Non-Governmental Organization), 20 kitchen partners, and over 250+ citizen volunteers working to meet the demand for the 20,000+ meals daily across Mumbai for those affected by a sudden pause in economic activity.
Hospitals in India are also in dire need of life-saving equipment like Oxygen Cylinders and ventilators. A second GiveIndia fundraiser is aiming to provide oxygen to help India breath again. Donations raised through this fundraiser are helping to directly support patients affected by COVID by:
· Setting up oxygen generation plants
· Providing oxygen concentrators
· Providing and refilling oxygen cylinders
· Providing ventilators
(Provide oxygen to help India breathe again, 2021)
For many of us, we are well aware of the vast number of charitable causes we can contribute to. Sometimes, it is super easy, like rounding up your bill at a fast food restaurant or dropping coins in the container at your neighborhood convenient store. Other times, it takes the conviction of seeing or hearing about unimaginable situations in places you have never even been to open your heart to donate. I cannot imagine not being able to feed my children and my family. But many in India are experiencing just that. Whether it is due to food shortages, unemployment or in many cases… both, the people in India need help. We are writing this post to do several things. One, to bring awareness to the situation in India so that at the very least, those of you reading this will share with others the devastation that is happening in India and to offer up your thoughts and prayers for those affected. But more importantly, we hope that you will consider donating to one of the many causes out there working to get the people of India back on their feet. For the next month, The Preschool Box will be matching any donations to our fundraiser up to $2000. Our particular fundraiser through GiveIndia will be specifically for the life-saving equipment needed to fight against Covid. We would love for you to partner with us in helping make an impact in India.
Donate Here:
https://fundraisers.giveindia.org/fundraisers/the-preschool-box-gives-back
References
As Covid-19 Devastates India, Deaths Go Undercounted. (2021, 04 24). Retrieved from New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/24/world/asia/india-coronavirus-deaths.html
Covid-19 in India: Why second coronavirus wave is devastating. (2021, April). Retrieved from BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56811315
KhaanaChahiye: Mumbai is battling hunger along with Covid-19. Again. (2021, 04). Retrieved from GiveIndia: https://fundraisers.giveindia.org/fundraisers/khaanachahiye-mumbai-is-battling-hunger-along-with-covid-19-again
Provide oxygen to help India breathe again. (2021). Retrieved from GiveIndia: https://covid.giveindia.org/oxygen/