NGO spreads joy of 'buying' for underprivileged kids

Have you ever thought that your belongings can spread a smile on the face of underprivileged children? On the occasion of Independence Day, volunteers of Eklavya - you belong, a Dahisar-based NGO, organised a shopping festival for such kids, where materials collected from donors were displayed. The children were given a chance to choose whatever they like at prices ranging between Rs1 and Rs5.

Charvi Mehta, founder of Eklavya, said: "The 210 children, whom we teach, come from less privileged background. They don't have toys, shoes, clothes and other basic materials. We don't give them things free of cost. This platform helps them to have a sense of spending money and also adds value in them. Many people voluntarily tell us about their willingness to donate materials. According to us, this is a better platform for people to donate materials as well as to teach children in a unique way."

In January 2015, Eklavya members have come up with the idea of organising shopping festivals for these children on the occasion of Republic Day and Independence Day every year.

"For a week now we have been collecting materials from contributors. The children experience the joy of shopping themselves by actually paying at the counter. The money is later utilised for the benefits of the children," said Mehta.

College students and office goers participate as volunteering for this noble cause.