Over the past 2-3 months, the IAE VTS Club has been working towards appreciating Disabled American Veterans through the DAV Flowers for Good Project. Together with WIHI, Troy High, North Farmington, and IAE, we created 1250 handmade flowers each using equal materials to ultimately create 5000 handmade blue-forget-me-not flowers. All in support of DAV (Disabled American Veterans). These flowers weren’t just crafts—they were symbols of gratitude. Each one is a thank-you to the veterans who’ve served us with courage and sacrifice.

On June 1st, 2025, for the very first time, VTSEVA Detroit Youth Board leadership team organized a "New Volunteer Meet N Greet & Police Appreciation Card Making"event at the Farmington Library. 21 of our Youth Board members participated in the event with their friends to give them an opportunity to learn about VTSEVA, its mission, services and accomplishments by your amazing Detroit volunteers, both locally and internationally. A total of 10 new youth joined our team and together with 20 of our current Youth Board members they made about 74 appreciation cards for the Novi Police department. These cards will be presented to them during our annual visit on Police Appreciation Day on 20th Sep 2025.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱: 𝗔𝗻𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗸𝗮 𝗩𝗶𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: Together, we helped restore and preserve Black Pond Woods by removing invasive plant species, contributing to the health and beauty of Ann Arbor’s green spaces.

VTS Club volunteered at Fleece and Thank You on May 17th to make fleece blankets for children in hospitals! It was such a fun, hands-on way to spread comfort, hope, and kindness, one blanket at a time! :)

WIHI VT SEVA held a volunteer event where students made pipe cleaner flowers for seniors. A lot of students came by to help, and the atmosphere was full of energy, laughter, and teamwork. We created a variety of colorful pipe cleaner flowers, and later visited a senior center (Provision Living), where we taught the residents how to make their own. We also shared the flowers we had made and helped them turn them into small bouquets, which they absolutely loved! It was a simple but meaningful way to give back, and the strong turnout showed how much everyone enjoyed coming together for a good cause, just like many of our previous events.

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝: 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐮𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐤𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐫 Impact: Together, we were able to help Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Genesis House II homeless shelter, which serves over 120 Detroit families in need.

WIHI VT SEVA held a volunteer event where students made pipe cleaner flowers for seniors. A lot of students came by to help, and the atmosphere was full of energy, laughter, and teamwork. We created a variety of colorful pipe cleaner flowers, and later visited a senior center (Provision Living), where we taught the residents how to make their own. We also shared the flowers we had made and helped them turn them into small bouquets, which they absolutely loved! It was a simple but meaningful way to give back, and the strong turnout showed how much everyone enjoyed coming together for a good cause, just like many of our previous events.

WIHI VT SEVA held a volunteer event where students made pipe cleaner flowers for seniors. A lot of students came by to help, and the atmosphere was full of energy, laughter, and teamwork. We created a variety of colorful pipe cleaner flowers, and later visited a senior center (Provision Living), where we taught the residents how to make their own. We also shared the flowers we had made and helped them turn them into small bouquets, which they absolutely loved! It was a simple but meaningful way to give back, and the strong turnout showed how much everyone enjoyed coming together for a good cause, just like many of our previous events.

Project Lead: Rishabh Mavatoor On *May 17th, 2025 VTSEVA Detroit youth board*, had an amazing time volunteering at the Focus Hope organization. Volunteers helped pack non perishble items, canned foods, dry food, and drinks into boxes and got them ready to be delivered. We were able to make around 1000 food boxes and 100 personal hygiene boxes, and these boxes would be delivered to seniors at churches and apartments

Students from all grades came together in the IA courtyard to paint rocks with kind and positive messages. The goal was to spread good vibes and make our school a happier place for everyone. It was a fun way for everyone to show kindness and remind each other that small, nice things can make a big difference. These kindness rocks are placed in the courtyard because it’s a special spot where students often take breaks and recharge. While spending time there, reading these uplifting messages helps create a peaceful and positive atmosphere, encouraging everyone to feel supported throughout their day.

Project Lead: Oviya Jaishankar To celebrate Mother’s Day and Father's Day, our *VT Seva Detroit Youth Board members* once again brought joy to a very special group of people through their creativity and compassion. This year, our youth created heartfelt Mother’s Day and Father's Day greeting cards that were delivered to residents at the *Manoogian Manor and Woodhaven Retirement Community*.

DRAW), our team contributed to disaster preparedness and response by organizing approximately 200 ziplock supply bags and successfully packing 90 emergency relief buckets. These supplies are intended to support individuals and families affected by natural disasters, ensuring they have access to basic necessities during times of crisis. Our work helped streamline the distribution process and directly supports DRAW’s mission to provide rapid and efficient aid when it’s needed most.

During our recent volunteer effort at Disaster Relief at Work (DRAW), our team contributed to disaster preparedness and response by organizing approximately 200 ziplock supply bags and successfully packing 90 emergency relief buckets. These supplies are intended to support individuals and families affected by natural disasters, ensuring they have access to basic necessities during times of crisis. Our work helped streamline the distribution process and directly supports DRAW’s mission to provide rapid and efficient aid when it’s needed most.

Our IAE members created 115 heartfelt cards for senior citizens at American House Somerset. For many seniors, Mother’s Day can be a lonely time, especially for those separated from their families. Through our handmade cards, we wanted to remind them they are seen, valued, and loved— a simple gesture that can brighten someone’s entire week. Each card was more than just paper and pencil; it was a message of gratitude and warmth, crafted with care by our 30 volunteers. Acts of kindness like these can make a real difference, offering comfort and connection to those who need it most.

In a powerful effort led by five VT SEVA DETROIT youth leaders and 21 youth volunteers, over 260 pairs of sneakers were collected from friends, family, neighbors, and community members over the course of a few weeks. These shoes weren’t just donations, they show the passion behind each of the youth leaders and VT SEVA as a whole. While donating to GotSneakers, this initiative will greatly benefit the environment by reducing the carbon footprint, help underserved get a chance to wear a good pair of shoes and most importantly support VT Seva Feeding Hope (Special Occasions, Annadanam initiative) Program, which provides food to visually challenged and tribal students.