Author: Amsas Blogger

Narayana Seva at North Carolina Food Pantry

North Carolina faces significant hunger, with recent estimates showing around 1 in 7 people (over 1.6 million), including nearly 1 in 5 children (over 438,000), are food insecure, meaning they lack consistent access to enough food for a healthy life, with disparities seen across racial groups and regions. While rates dipped slightly to about 10.9% around 2021-2023, newer data from late 2024/early 2025 indicates a rise back to around 13.9% or higher, with increased reliance on government assistance and food pantries signaling worsening conditions due to rising costs.

On January 19th. 2025, America Saraswata Sangha (AMSAS) contributed $1,000 in cash (via check) and approximately $100 worth of non perishable can goods to the Food Bank of Eastern and Central North Carolina. The purpose of this contribution was aligned with our goal as a spiritual/religious organization, with a purpose to help alleviate hunger. We feel doubly blessed as we are a local North Carolina based organization with our worship center located in Efland, NC.

The food bank informed us that the $1,000 contribution will have an equal corporate match and will provide 10,000 meals. The 196 cans of sweet corn weighed 210 pounds and will additionally feed 1,050 persons.

Support for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Triangle

  • Location: Durham, NC

On November 30, 2025, members of America Saraswata Sangha came together in the spirit of service to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Triangle in Durham, North Carolina. Demonstrating compassion and care, devotees collectively purchased and delivered essential household supplies, food items, children’s toys, and gifts for infants, with total contributions amounting to $1,008.00. This heartfelt initiative reflected the Sangha’s commitment to community support and service to families in need.

Donation to Never Alone Foundation Food Pantry

AMSAS made an online donation of $500 to the Never Alone Foundation, Cherokee County, Woodstock, GA. This organization is dedicated to fighting hunger in our community and supporting individuals facing life’s challenges, regardless of race, creed, citizenship status, or gender identity. By promoting diversity and inclusivity, Never Alone ensures everyone is treated with love and dignity. We believe in their mission to help end hunger and are grateful to be part of their impactful work. Together, we can make a difference.

Donation to Second Harvest Food Bank

San Jose, CA

AMSAS made an online donation of $1200 to Second Harvest Food Bank. Our community is in crisis. Record-high food and gas prices, a housing shortage and the financial devastation caused by the pandemic have prompted another surge in the need for food assistance. Second Harvest is committed to doing whatever it takes to end hunger in our community. That means distributing nutritious food to nearly every neighborhood in Silicon Valley, leveraging every available food resource, and collaborating with organizations and people who share our belief that hunger is unacceptable. The donation will help them make it possible.

__Your donation receipt from Second Harvest of Silicon Valley

 

SHFB 2025

Community Service: Breakfast Bag Donation with Nourish. NJ

Location:
Nourish.NJ, 36 Sussex Avenue, Morristown, New Jersey
As part of our community service, members from the North East branch of “America Saraswata Sangha” worked with Nourish.NJ to prepare and deliver 100 breakfast bags for people in need. Each bag included healthy breakfast items packed to help the people in need. Our members volunteered to carefully pack the bags and brought them to Nourish.NJ’s center in Morristown. There, the Nourish.NJ team distributed them. This effort is part of our Community Service mission, Shiva Gyane Jeeva Seva — serving others with compassion, kindness, love and respect, while recognizing every individual as a reflection of the Divine.

Supporting Children and Families in Charlotte, NC

On August 29, 2025, devotees of America Saraswata Sangha in Charlotte, NC came together to extend their support to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. With compassion and care, they purchased and delivered essential supplies to help families in crisis as well as children transitioning into foster care or adoption.

The donation included a convertible car seat and diapers, meeting some of the immediate needs of children. These supplies will directly assist families in crisis and foster families, providing children with safety, dignity, and comfort during a time of uncertainty.

This effort reflects America Saraswata Sangha’s ongoing commitment to selfless service  and uplifting organizations that provide critical care for children and families in need.

We are grateful to all the devotees who contributed and made this possible.

Location: 1300 Baxter St, Charlotte, NC 28204

Children’s Home Society letter
 Children’s Home Society note

Donation to IASF for Los Angeles Fire Relief

On 2/3/2025, AMSAS donated $500 to IASF for the Los Angeles Fire Relief efforts. IASF is partnering with 5 Sikh Seva organization to provide essential supplies to affected lower income people in LA. They have been driving once every week to LA since the fires to deliver essential supplies collected in the Bay Area.

Community Service: Breakfast Bag Donation with Nourish. NJ

Location:
Nourish.NJ, 36 Sussex Avenue, Morristown, New Jersey
As part of our community service, members from the North East branch of “America Saraswata Sangha” worked with Nourish.NJ to prepare and deliver 100 breakfast bags for people in need. Each bag included healthy breakfast items packed to help the people in need. Our members volunteered to carefully pack the bags and brought them to Nourish.NJ’s center in Morristown. There, the Nourish.NJ team distributed them. This effort is part of our Community Service mission, Shiva Gyane Jeeva Seva — serving others with compassion, kindness, love and respect, while recognizing every individual as a reflection of the Divine.

America Saraswata Sangha donates to Ronald McDonald House Pantry Partners

America Saraswata Sangha supported Ronald McDonald House Durham through their Pantry Partners Wish List program. The donation included food and household supplies that were delivered to their facility by Amazon. It will support families staying at Ronald McDonald House, and allow thousands of caregivers to stay close to their children at the hospital.
Location: Durham, NC