Outreach Activities Announcement 2017

Dear Families,

Monday, Dec. 4 marks the official start of our annual Outreach activities. During the week we strive to foster a spirit of generosity and compassion toward others amongst our students. We do this by spreading goodwill in our local community by providing various opportunities for students to share Krishna consciousness with song, prasadam treats, and books 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:

Food and Necessities Collection Drive: Monday, Dec. 4 - Friday, Dec. 15 - A collection box will be at the entrance of the school for students to place items for local people in need.

Suggested items are:

• Gift cards for gasoline or grocery stores (Ward's,Publix,etc.)

• Canned foods,like no sugar fruits (pineapple,applesauce,etc.)

• Personal care items (toothbrushes,toothpaste,deodorant,etc.)

• Unseasoned canned beans (chickpeas,blackbeans,etc.)

• Whole grains (brownrice,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 distributed via a local support organization.

Store-to-Store Book Distribution: Monday, Dec. 11 - Friday, Dec. 15 - Students in Audarya Bhavan (grade 3), Madhurya Bhavan, and Krishna Sharanam will go in small groups on book distribution led by Mother Sukhada Elsey, class teachers, and/or parent volunteers.

Home and Senior Center Visits: Monday, Dec. 11 - Friday, Dec. 15 - Students in Audarya Bhavan and Madhurya Bhavan will be brightening the spirits of some senior citizens and/or homebound individuals by singing songs and distributing treats. In addition, our choir will be visiting residents of The Atrium at Gainesville to sing a selection of beautiful songs with a spiritual message.

As with any field trip, teachers will accompany the students on activities scheduled during the school day. Everyone will return prior to their class lunch time. A link to an online permission slip has been sent out. Please complete it by Monday, December 4.

Please make sure your child comes to school during these outing days with a water bottle and weather appropriate clothing.

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

Yours in service,

Visvambhara Das

Head of School