THE Shree Krsna Mandir in Gay Park, Greater New Amsterdam, East Berbice, is now in its 17th year of bringing cheers to many in their annual ‘Diwali Seva’ hamper drive.

With a target of approximately 480 hampers for this year’s distribution, many needy families and individuals will be given the opportunity to ensure they have enough grocery during the auspicious Hindu holiday.

During the distribution drive on Sunday, Pandit Rajin Balgobin told the Guyana Chronicle that the idea is to reach out and spread cheer to as many people as possible.

“For sixteen years — we are now in our 17th year on the occasion of Diwali — a few days before, we try to reach out to as many families or single parents, elderly in various communities, sometimes 35-40 communities and distribute grocery hampers.”

The religious leader related to the Guyana Chronicle that support for the initiative has been overwhelming, pointing out that the Mandir has moved from distributing 120 hampers when they started to over 400 today.

Funds for the event come from donations, both locally and internationally. Notably, the overseas funding has been coming from Belgium and the Netherlands apart from the UK, USA, Canada and the Caribbean.

Aside from Guyana, Balgobin stated that the distribution is being done to 100 poor families in India as well.

He expressed gratitude for the generous donations received and while they would like to assist more individuals, the recent increase in the prices of items have made the number smaller but nevertheless the hampers are filled with essential items that would bring a smile to the face of the persons receiving it.