Spreading Joy: GONA USA’s $21 Christmas Drive for Children in Gujarat

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Los Angeles, CA – This Christmas season, the youth-led initiative of Gujaratis of North America (GONA USA), in partnership with Love Sports, is calling on families to donate $21 to brighten the holidays for underprivileged children in rural Gujarat. The campaign seeks to provide essential items—backpacks, tracksuits, shoes, and sweets—to 1,000 schoolchildren in the Tapi district and Charotar villages, ensuring a festive season filled with warmth and care.

The campaign is led by passionate young leaders Varun Gandhi and Ilesha Gupta of Los Angeles, alongside Juhi Mehta and Tanmay Mistry of New Jersey. Their mission is to alleviate the struggles faced by families unable to afford even the basics of education or festive necessities.

Empowering Communities through Culture and Charity

GONA USA, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting cultural and charitable activities, has a robust track record of initiatives. From hosting vibrant festivals like Uttrayan and Diwali in Los Angeles to launching the Gujarati Shikho Abhiyan—a free Gujarati language learning program—they have engaged second- and third-generation Asian Indians in preserving their heritage while giving back. Future plans include a Youth Exchange Program aimed at fostering cultural and educational exchange between American and Indian youth.

Partnering with Love Sports India Foundation, based in Surat, the organizations have made significant strides in developing athletic infrastructure across Gujarat. This includes constructing running tracks, providing exercise equipment, and offering free Taekwondo classes to students in underserved areas. Generous contributions from donors such as Mr. Sudhir and Dr. Daksha Kapadia have funded major projects like cricket grounds in Sarbhon and an athletic field in Amalsad.

A Call to Action

The organizations are now seeking volunteers and donors to support upcoming initiatives, including additional athletic grounds and education-focused programs. They also aim to involve mainstream American youth, fostering cross-cultural connections and broadening the impact of their charitable efforts.

This Christmas, help bring joy to a child in Gujarat with a $21 gift that can transform their holiday experience. To learn more or to contribute, visit www.gonausa.org or www.lovesportsindia.org.