Our Gifts to Others

We had a recent reaffirmation of the depth of generosity that some people can extend to strangers. Our church, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta (UUCA), has a commitment to give away the Sunday plate donation to worthy charities. Over US$50,000 has been given way this year. The Social Justice Committee selects organizations from nominations presented by church members. Helen’s nomination of Sukrupa Community Center in Bangalore was accepted for Sunday, 15 April.

Sukrupa is a non-government organization (NGO) founded in 2000 with a vision to provide an environment where slum children can learn academic, social and physical skills as well as being provided food in a safe, nurturing and caring environment. School-aged children come for breakfast and after school shelter and help with their homework. Preschoolers are cared for all day. A total of 230 children are served at Sukrupa. Very few of their parents pay anything for this care. Sukrupa depends on the donations of individuals and groups.

Despite labor laws to the contrary, child labor and exploitation is very real in India. Every third household has a working child. Girls deemed by tradition as lesser beings are the most exploited. Those once categorized in the caste system as untouchables are now called dalits. Their fate remains unchanged. Whether disadvantaged by age, gender or caste, Sukrupa extends a hand and gives hope that tomorrow can be better than today.

Helen is a Sukrupa volunteer. She has seen first hand how far young children who have no home training must stretch themselves to learn simple things like the names of shapes, numbers and letters and how to use a toilet and wash their hands. Small steps forward daily are meeting the challenges.

Our delight could not have been greater when we learned that the scheduled plate donation for Sunday, 15 April was for Sukrupa. Jay was in the US on a business trip and was provided an opportunity to share with the congregation Sukrupa’s story. It was candidating week for a potential new minister. The sermon was high voltage. Every seat was filled.

On Wednesday, Jay stopped by the church to pick up the donation proceeds. We had hoped for $3,000, maybe $4,000, given the circumstances of this past Sunday’s events. The check given to Jay was for $5,250.50 (215,270 rupees).

This is enough to pay for four qualified pre-school teachers for a year. Meals can be served. Repairs can be made to the building. The vision to change the future of young children who struggle against the strong bonds of tradition can be achieved. Thank you to the UUCA community, who helped shape the future for these young strangers.