Hyderabad :

We don’t often pay attention to things we have already used. Take newspapers for instance, once we have read them, they bear no value to us any longer. As a result, newspapers are used for multifarious purposes – they are found in wardrobes, kitchen sinks, bathrooms, tea stalls and are used to clean up dirt or dropped food. However, Joy of Sharing Society, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) in the city has taken an initiative to collect old newspapers to raise funds for orphan children. “Instead of money, we have decided to take old newspapers from the people and use those funds to help children by buying them food, clothes, etc. Normally, most people just throw away newspapers or use them for various purposes. But by donating their old newspapers, they will be making a huge difference,” says Raghuvir Reddy, founder of the organisation.

Started in 2013, Joy of sharing society was founded by a group of individuals – Ramakrishna,Hariom Pandey, Roy Debashis, Pavan Yadav, Pramod and Praveen — who have the passion and determination to serve the society. Their active members include students, working professionals and senior citizens. Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Raghuvir says, “There are so many NGOs today that we dint want to be like just another organisation. We want to teach people compassion and would like to create a new generation, where people know the importance of sharing.”

Though they indulge in several charitable activities, their main focus is on helping orphan children. “90 per cent of our work revolves around helping orphan children. We work together with other NGOs to make sure the orphans feel loved and valued. It’s important for them to receive love and support, or they will rebel. Lack of love can make misdirect them,” he explains.

Joy of Sharing Society, which has over 60 volunteers from across the country conducts several events on a regular basis. “It was important for us to not be just another NGO so we decided to help out other existing NGOs and work towards a common cause. For instance, last year we decided to collect old clothes from people and then we gave those clothes to an NGO which specialises in recycling clothes. Later, we gave new clothes to the children,” Reddy informs.

In the past, they have conducted several initiative, including blanket donation to homeless people and blood donation camps for Thalassemia kids, apart from celebrating festivals with the children and taking them on tours. “Children suffering from Thalassemia require blood every three weeks. When we found out that there are several children who suffer from the disease, we conducted several blood donation camps to help them out. Apart from that, our intention is to make them feel special and loved so we share happy occasions with them like Diwali, etc,” explains Reddy.

Next on their agenda is to celebrate Independence day with the orphan kids for which they are organising scrap collection drive in order to raise funds. “We will sell all the old newspapers to raise funds to celebrate Independence Day and other events with the children. On August 15, we will be conducting a food donation camp for orphan kids. We have also planned to take them on an trip in September,” he informs.

Reddy, who has been involved in charity work for several years, feels youngsters must be encouraged to work towards the society. “Our commitment towards the children is permanent. Whenever we go to see them, their faces light up and they’re bursting with happiness. Nothing can replace that feeling – that motivates us to work harder for their cause,” shares Reddy. “We want to work with anyone possible and with other NGOs – together we can make a difference,” he adds on philosophical note.

If you want to participate in this donation drive and would like to donate old newspapers, you can send an email to joyofsharing.kids@gmail.com.

You can also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ JoyofSharing.Kids

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Suhas Yellapantula / August 12th, 2014