Chai Mommas are all about giving back! We love helping others in any way that we can from giving donations, attending and hosting charity events, volunteer work, spending time with kids in need..the list is endless. Check out some of the great opportunities we gave back on to make a difference.
This month, the Chai Mommas are happy to support the Make Me Stronger Campaign. Make Me Stronger is an awareness campaign targeted to spread a call to action and an aid to help those who are battling blood cancer, (Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma). It is a platform for patients, donors, volunteers and caregivers to share what their experience is or was with blood cancer… as well as a place to know and find out about bone marrow registration drives. We were inspired by this movement, which was started by a South Asian family in New Jersey who was determined to spread the word. We are glad to be part of their momentum for increasing awareness.
Jeans For A Cause
Chai Mommas recently dug into our closets and dresser drawers to gather all those jeans that we no longer fit into but loved enough to hold onto. We knew we wanted to donate to those in need but wanted to make sure it was the right fit. When we learned of Jeans for a Cause, we knew this organization would be the one. We connected with Mani Naik founder and creator of Jeans for a Cause based out of Raleigh, NC who started the organization…whose mission is to “outfit men, women and children In India with jeans or pants who may not be fortunate enough to own jeans of their own.” And we proudly donated as many pairs as we could. Our donations will be distributed to the R.K. Foundation and Bosco Org located in India.
Jeans for a Cause is always looking for donations, both of jeans and financial contributions, to help cover the shipping costs to send jeans to these organizations in India. If you would like to donate, have any questions or would like more information, please contact Mani at mani.patel@facebook.com.
NICU at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County
On March 25th 2013, Shraddha met up with Susan Bernardo, author of Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs. Shraddha was so inspired by this book that she knew one day she wanted the NICU at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County – where her son spent some time, to also learn about it and how it could potentially help families going through the roller coaster ride that a NICU stay of any length is. Through Susan’s generosity, the NICU gained 11 copies of this inspirational book on this day and we are all hoping that the team that was built today between all of us can continue to thrive so that we can work together in the future.
Sleep Train Foster Kids Pajama Drive
This month, the Chai Mommas wanted to help a local charity out in California to help foster children by each of us donating a pair of warm pajamas to make at least four foster kids feel cozy and warm. It’s a great feeling just by doing so little those kids that have long nights and feel lonely are being helped with a new pair of cozy pajamas.
Kids for Peace
This month, the chai mommas are happy to announce that one of our own mommas, Puja, is going to be serving on the board of a wonderful organization called Kids For Peace. This organization has local, national and international chapters whose mission is to cultivate every child’s innate ability to foster peace through cross cultural experiences, hands on arts, community service and environmental projects. Their motto is one that we truly believe in also…the simple words: “Kindness Matters.”
Toys for Tots
This year the Chai Mommas wanted to teach their kids to give back. No matter how old they are you can always find ways to teach them the importance of helping others. The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted (www.toysfortots.org).
Light the Night Walk 2012
For the 2nd year in a row now Chai Mommas supported the Light the Night Event in San Diego in memory of Navin Patel, the father of one of the Chai Mommas, Reena. This year we brought our friends, family and even kids to show them how something little you do can make such a big difference. 
The OC Walk to Remember
The OC Walk to Remember is a nonprofit organization that supports parents who have lost a baby in pregnancy or infancy. The mission of the OC Walk to Remember is to raise money for local organizations that support parents who have experienced miscarriage, pregnancy loss, or infant loss of any kind, as well as be a resource center for parents, doctors, nurses, hospitals, support groups, and anyone in need of support or information. The funds raised benefit all hospitals in Orange County with a Labor and Delivery and/or NICU unit and all local support groups that help parents as they grieve the death of their baby.
Chai Mommas Supporting No Kid Hungry Campaign
Chai Mommas supported the No Kid Hungry campaign with a significant donation towards No Kid Hungry Fundraising event in San Francisco, representing the unity of the local South Asian community to eliminate child hunger. The fundraiser symbolized our opportunity to relieve the epidemic of child hunger within the United States.
Chai Mommas Supporting 9th Annual Champagne and Purses Partying for a Purpose Party
Chai Mommas supported It’s All About the Kids Foundation and Partying for a Purpose by attending the 9th annual Champagne and Purses Party and donating dresses and accessories to under privileged young ladies.
Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS) Casino Party Event
Chai Mommas participated in the Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS) Casino Party Event. The BBBS provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better. With the funds raised at the event at Reena’s home, we were able to take 2 kids off the waiting list and pair them with a big brother or big sister.
Cinco De Mayo Just Like My Child Foundation Fundraiser
Chai Mommas support the Just Like My Child Foundation where one of the Chai Mommas, Puja, has actually built a sustainable dental clinic at a hospital in Uganda that is now serving hundreds of children who never before owned a toothbrush. Through her work and the help of her colleagues/family/friends, the lives of several hundred children who would have otherwise died of dental infection are being served to have a better quality of life.
Light the Night Walk
Chai Mommas supported the Light the Night Event by doing a 2 mile walk in San Diego in memory of Navin Patel, the father of one of the Chai Mommas, Reena. Light The Night Walks brings hope to patients and survivors, and honors lives lost to cancer.
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