Outreach Week

Monday, Dec. 13th marks the official start of our annual Outreach Week. During the week we strive to foster a spirit of generosity and compassion for others amongst our students. We do this by creating opportunities for them to share Krishna consciousness in a safe and supportive way. As best as possible we try to involve all our students. This year we have the following activities planned:

Harinama: Friday, Dec. 10th - All students and parents are invited to come together on harinam sankirtan at the corner of 13th Street and University Ave. We will meet at the Krishna House at 5:30 p.m. Please bring your child in nice devotional dress with tilak. Note: children must be supervised by their parents at all times.

Alachua and High Springs Parades: Saturday, Dec. 11th - All students are invited to participate in the annual Alachua and High Springs Christmas parades by riding on the float (large carpeted flat cart with sides all around). The temple is requesting that all children dress up as gopas and gopis to make things festive. Wrapped treats will be made available for anyone who wants to distribute books and prasadam.

• The Alachua parade starts at 2:00 p.m. All participants should meet behind the Alachua Villas at 12:30 p.m.
• The High Springs parade starts at 6:00 p.m. Please contact the temple office at 386-462-2017 for information on where to meet.

Food and Necessities Collection Drive: Monday, Dec. 13th - Friday, Dec. 17th - A collection box will be at the entrance of the school for students to place food (dahl, rice, oatmeal, cereals, canned milk, sweets, etc.) and personal care items (toothpaste, soap, toothbrush, etc.) for a local devotee family in need. We are asking each family to contribute at least 1 item. At the end of our collection these items will be delivered to the family via Ashraya, our local devotee care group.

Store-to-Store Book Distribution: Wednesday, Dec. 15th and Thursday, Dec. 16th - Students in Audarya Bhavan (interested 2nd and 3rd year) and Madhurya Bhavan will go in small groups on book distribution with Divyanga Prabhu and Mother Satyaki.

Devotee Home Visits: TBA - In coordination with Ashraya, some students will be brightening the spirits of some elder and/or ill local devotees to share prasadam and kirtan.

Teachers will accompany the students, as with any field trip, on activities scheduled during the school day. Permission slips will be sent home with Audarya and Madhurya Bhavan students on Friday and need to be returned by Monday, December 13th if you wish to have your child participate. Not every student will take part in every activity, but please check off all of the activities that you are willing to send your child on.

We are looking forward to an fun and exciting Outreach Week!