Bhaktivedanta Academy - News and Announcements

Monday, Dec. 12th 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:

Alachua and High Springs Parades: Saturday, Dec. 10th - 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). Cookies will be made available for anyone who wants to distribute prasadam.

The Alachua parade starts at 2:00 p.m. All participants should meet behind the Alachua Villas on Main Street at 12:30 p.m.
The High Springs parade starts at 6:00 p.m. Meet at the float at 5:00 p.m., The exact location to be announced. Please contact the New Raman Reti temple office at 386-462-2017 for information on where to meet.

Food and Necessities Collection Drive: Monday, Dec. 12th - Friday, Dec. 16th - A collection box will be at the entrance of the school for students to place items for a local family in need. Suggested items are:

Gift cards for gasoline or grocery stores (Ward's , Publix, etc.)
Canned foods, like no sugar fruits (pineapple, apple sauce, etc.)
Unseasoned canned beans (chickpeas, black beans, etc.)
Whole grains (brown rice, barley, etc.)
Seeds (sunflower, sesame, etc.)
Oatmeal
Mung beans
Nuts
Spices
Ghee or olive oil

Please do not deposit expired food, used items, or any food item which contains garlic and onions. 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, the local care group which serves members of the New Raman Reti temple community.

Store-to-Store Book Distribution: Monday, Dec. 12th through Wednesday, Dec. 14th - Students in Audarya Bhavan (interested 2nd and 3rd year) and Madhurya Bhavan will go in small groups on book distribution with Divyanga Prabhu and one or their teachers.

Home Visits: Thursday, Dec. 15th - Some students in the Audarya Bhavan class will be brightening the spirits of some elder and/or ill local community members to share prasadam treats and kirtan.

As with any field trip, teachers will accompany the students on activities scheduled during the school day. Everyone will return prior to the 2:00 p.m. pick-up time.

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