I wish to applaud the dedicated group of volunteers associated with the Bhuvaneshwar Mandir who descended at the Rockaways during the thanksgiving weekend to provide clothing, toiletries and a hot meal to victims of Hurricane Sandy in the Rockaways. The area was devastated by the hurricane a month ago leaving thousands homeless.

Pandit Manoj Jadubans spearheaded the effort to assist the Sandy victims and he was ably assisted by the mandirs youth group called, Naujavaan Mandalee.
Adults and children worked together as one in the cold weather to accomplish this feat of helping their fellow humans. Onlookers passing by were amazed at the mandir site at 86th Street and 101 Ave of such a dedicated and hard- working group of individuals, the youths in particular, who responded to this request to help disaster victims. The volunteers said they were driven to this task by the youth group’s motto “The hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray”.
The ardent volunteers gathered at Bhuvaneshwar packing hygienic supplies and had them delivered in the Rockaways where the youths delivered the packages to the displaced victims.  Items for the aid drive were collected by generous donations.  The group networked with businesses, had a bake sale, and collaborated with the Diwali Motorcade organisation where a lot of items were collected. The hygienic package included toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, hats, gloves, candles, scarves, and towels. Some 300 new towels were donated.
Altogether, the volunteers prepared over 500 bags for distribution as well as some 50 huge black garbage bags of clothing for distribution.
The hot meals included traditional Guyanese cuisine of fried rice, chowmein, potatoes, channa, salad, soup, etc. and hot and cold beverages. Several vans volunteered to deliver the items at Beach 129 Street followed by dozens of vehicles moving in an organised line to assist in an humanitarian effort.
The group of Guyanese volunteers assembled at Saint Francis Parish
parking lot which was designated to them by the city. Upon arrival they were directed to go to Beach 97 where more volunteers were needed.
The group worked with zeal attending to the victims providing them hot food and sanitary bags and distributed clothing, detergent, and cleaning
supplies.
The group also disbursed over 100 trays of food to people holed up in apartments in tenement buildings unable to make their way down.
The coordinator of the effort described “the children’s faces as being filled with eagerness as they accomplished their task with gladness.”
The group also assisted the Red Cross with delivering meals to other victims. The volunteers also went to Beach 87 where they also distributed food and clothing. Pandit Manoj said he was amazed at the group’s energy, being on their feet for over five hours.
Although they were very tired from their Rockaway effort, the group participated in “Visions 2012” at John Adams high-school with a
classical skit paying “Mere Dosti Mere Pyaar” tribute to all those affected by Sandy. Nadia Rampersaud stated in her introduction: “We pray that the lord continues to inspire you and give you the strength to overcome all that you are facing. May God always guide and protect you in these trying times and we are positive in time all will be normal again”.
The group would like to thank Platinum Celebrations for their
assistance and inspiration to start this project. Special thanks also go out to Fairfield Pavilion, Sunita Travel, Pan American Travel Agency,and Classic Laundromat for volunteering their venues as drop-off points. They also thanked all those that helped in this effort.
The volunteers said they felt honoured to participate in this project.
Indy Mohanlall, a parent coordinator, praised the group for doing a wonderful job. “I am so happy that we had this opportunity to be able to help these people. Ms. Urmilla also said it was a job well done by everyone. Ms. Urmilla said the recipients were really appreciative of the handouts and the hot meals on that cold day. Amelia Rajkumar, 13 years old, said “It was great to help those in need. I couldn’t believe how the houses were damaged and many people just came to get a
hot meal. It made me realise all the things I take for granted”.
Kevin Persaud, 19 yrs, commented: “People can say they feel sorry for those affected but what really makes a difference is doing what we have done by helping out in the way we did”.
Urmilla Vibart said she is proud of the group’s work. “If Guruji Shree Prakash Gossai was alive today, he would have been tremendously proud of them.”
Pandit Manoj Jadubans, leader of NMYG said he was very proud of those who volunteered their precious time and effort to help out the victims. They braved inclement temperatures and
enthusiastically went out and performed seva.”