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VT SEVA DETROIT Q1 2025 BLOG




From January to March 2025, the VT Seva Detroit branch has kicked off the new year with impactful events and growing community involvement. From organizing educational sessions and donation drives to actively engaging youth volunteers, the team has stayed committed to serving the local and global community. Here's a look back at all the amazing activities and milestones reached during the first quarter of 2025.



VTS Club High School Projects:


IAE:

  • Snowman Craft Kit

  • CAIR Origami Kit

  • Shamrock ShakeDown

  • Math Kangaroo


Troy High:


  • DRAW

  • Valentines Card 

  • Math Kangaroo


NFHS:


  • Fleece and Thank you

  • Making Spirits Bright

  • Teen Mental Wellness Cards


WIHI:


  • CAIR Origami Kit

  • Teen Mental Wellness


Detroit Events:


  • Capuchin Soup Kitchen

  • MLK Day at Destined for Greatness

  • DRAW - Disaster Recovery At Work

  • Fleece & Thank You Warehouse Volunteering

  • World Medical Relief

  • Capuchin Soup Kitchen

  • Fleece & Thank You - Grab & Go Project Group1

  •  Fleece & Thank You Warehouse Volunteering

  • FREE Financial Wellness Webinar conducted on March 7th 2025


  • Disabled American Veterans - Forget Me Not Flower Project

  • Kroger Food Drive

  • Fleece & Thank You - Grab & Go Project Group2

  • Fleece & Thank You - Grab & Go Project Group3

  • Forgotten Harvest



Youth Board Events:


  • Towel Drive for Last Day Dog Rescue

  • Grocery Bag Drive for Open Door Ministries

  • CASS Community Kitchen

  • Coats & Socks Drive for Grace Centers of Hope

  • Mental Wellness

  • Open Door Ministry

  • Like-new Clothes Drive for Destined for Greatness

  • Brilliant Detroit In Person Event

  • Books and Toys Drive for Brilliant Detroit








VTS Club High School Projects:

IAE

01/13/2025 - IAE: Snowman Craft Kit


Volunteers came together to assemble 30 snowman-themed craft kits, each thoughtfully prepared to provide a creative and cheerful activity for the children.




02/04/2025 - IAE: CAIR Origami Kit


IAE VT Seva partnered with CAIR, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting COPD patients and advancing respiratory disease research. Volunteers crafted heartfelt cards and intricate origami art for patients. The event was a wonderful opportunity to spread positivity and encouragement to those facing respiratory challenges.


Links: 



02/27/2025 - IAE: Shamrock ShakeDown


Volunteers crafted personal and uplifting notes for the participating Special Ed students, celebrating their talent, effort, and love for the game. This initiative was a meaningful way to give back to the community and recognize the determination of these incredible athletes.




03/24/2025 - IAE: Math Kangaroo


Troy IAE and the Troy High VT Seva Club teamed up to volunteer at the annual Math Kangaroo Competition. Volunteers played a key role in ensuring the event ran smoothly by helping with setup, registration, proctoring, and assisting students with last-minute questions.



Troy High

02/01/2025 - Troy High: DRAW


Troy High VTS Club partnered with DRAW (Disaster Recovery At Work) to support communities impacted by natural disasters. Volunteers efficiently assembled and packaged materials for 400 relief buckets, and also helped prepare materials for crochet bags by cutting and looping grocery bags to create sleeping mats.




02/10/2025 - Troy High: Valentines Day Card Making


Troy High VTS Club members came together to create heartfelt Valentine’s Day cards with “get well soon” messages for children in the hospital.




03/20/2025 - Troy High: Math Kangaroo


Troy IAE and Troy High VTS Club volunteers teamed up to support the annual Math Kangaroo Competition, ensuring the event ran smoothly from start to finish. Our dedicated volunteers managed registration, proctored exams, set up materials, and guided students with last-minute questions.



NFHS

01/11/2025 - NFHS: Fleece and Thankyou


Troy High VTS Club volunteers visited Fleece and Thank You, an organization that provides comfort through handmade blankets for children in hospitals. The volunteers had a great time crafting cozy fleece blankets, all while supporting a heartwarming cause.




02/22/2025 - NFHS: Making Spirits Bright


Troy High VTS Club had the opportunity to work with @makingspiritsbrightorg, a nonprofit dedicated to delivering books to “book deserts” in Metro Detroit. Volunteers spent the day sorting and packing books to help promote literacy in underserved areas.




03/17/2025 - NFHS: Teen Mental Wellness Cards 


Volunteers created and displayed informative posters throughout the school, encouraging mindfulness, self-care, and openness about mental health. These daily reminders aim to reduce stigma and inspire students to prioritize their emotional well-being year-round.



WIHI

02/07/2025 - WIHI: CAIR Origami Kit


WIHI VTS partnered with CAIR, a nonprofit supporting COPD patients and research. Volunteers used their artistic talents to craft a variety of origami pieces, each made with care to bring joy and encouragement to those battling respiratory illnesses.




03/08/2025 - WIHI: Teen Mental Wellness


In honor of Teen Mental Wellness Day, our club hosted a heartfelt Note-Making Event aimed at uplifting and encouraging teens facing stress and self-doubt. Volunteers came together to create around 120 positive notes, reminding students that they are seen, valued, and never alone.









Detroit Events:


01/02/2025 - Capuchin Soup Kitchen


Youth Lead: Jishnu Kandalam


VT Seva Detroit volunteers had a fulfilling experience supporting the Capuchin Services Center, which aids over 228,000 Detroit residents each year. From sorting clothing and hygiene items to stocking shelves and packing pantry boxes, our volunteers helped ensure smooth operations for those in need! 


Volunteers: Kapil Inamdar, Amogh Mavatoor, Jishnu Kandalam, Rishabh Mavatoor, Kushi Kanumuri, Advithi Kothapalli, Swara Rege, Anushka Vikram, Sanyog Iyengar, Pahal Shah, Harini Kopparapu, Vanitha Gopalan, Mythili Kandalam, Nitya Chandran, Suresh Rajan, Santhoshi Kopparapu





01/20/2025 - MLK Day at Destined for Greatness


Youth Lead: Advithi Kothapalli


In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, VT Seva volunteers joined hands with the Destined for Greatness organization to support their annual giveaway event serving over 250 metro Detroit families in need. Volunteers helped sort and arrange clothing, unload supplies, and guide attendees through the venue. It was a powerful day of service, dedicated to empowering the community and spreading hope.


Volunteers: Advithi Kothapalli, Shravya Dumbala, Navya Dumbala, Kushi Kanumuri

Sanyog Iyengar, Sanika Iyengar, Varun Aerabati, Shreya Shetty, Sriyansh Priyadarshi, Rachana Raghunathan, Rathneesh Bala, Varshini Barla, Vanitha Gopalan, Lavanya Kothapalli, Swathi Pasham, Praveen Kanumuri, Suparna Iyengar, Suresh Rajan, Vaishnavi Aerabati, Bala





01/25/2025 - DRAW - Disaster Recovery At Work


Youth Lead: Siddharth Ram


VT Seva Detroit volunteers teamed up with DRAW (Disaster Relief At Work) to support communities affected by recent wildfires in California. Volunteers prepped tarp sheets to be sent to impacted homes by measuring, labeling, wrapping, and organizing them with care. It was a hands-on, rewarding event that allowed us to directly contribute to disaster recovery efforts and support those in need.


Volunteers: Siddarth Ram, Ishaan Jaseen, Swara Rege, Amogh Mavatoor, Rishabh Mavatoor, Rachana Raghunathan, Vidheep Routhu, Avni Patel, Arav Patel, Shraya Ved, Khushi Kanumuri, Mihir Inamdar, Kapil Inamdar, Sanyog Iyengar, Tarun Senthilkumar, Varshini Barla, Vanitha Gopalan, Ramesh Routhu, Suresh Rajan, Pallavi Patel, Neha Ved, Praveen Kanumuri, Nitya Chandran and Ranjani Raghunathan





02/02/2025 - Fleece & Thank You Warehouse Volunteering


Youth Lead: Shravya DumbalaOur VT Seva Detroit volunteers joined Fleece and Thank You to help bring warmth and color to children in Michigan hospitals. From quality checking to washing and packaging, volunteers took part in every step of the process. Together, we helped prepare an incredible 623 blankets, each one ready to bring comfort and smiles to a child in need.


Volunteers: Shravya Dumbala, Navya Dumbala, Rachana Raghunathan, Varshini Barla, Advithi Kothapalli, Khushi Kanumuri, Shreyas Posam, Sai Praval Kotha, Arav Patel, Avni Patel, Shraya Ved, Pahal Shah, Amogh Mavatoor, Rishabh Mavatoor, Videep Routhu, Swathi Pasham, Vanitha Gopalan, Ramesh Routhu, Suresh Rajan, Lavanya Kothapalli, Nairaj Patel





02/08/2025 - World Medical Relief


Youth Lead: Harini Kopparapu


Our VT Seva Detroit volunteers had the opportunity to support World Medical Relief by organizing medical supplies into 5 large international container shipments for distribution to developing countries. Volunteers helped sort and pack items like casts, food boxes, and medical supplies while also learning about the process of sterilizing and fixing pacemakers. This event allowed us to contribute to global health efforts, ensuring that essential medical equipment reached those in need around the world.


Volunteers: Varshini Barla, Rachana Raghunathan, Khushi Kanumuri, Advithi Kothapalli, Videep Routhu, Jatin Perugu, Sanyog Iyenger, Pahal Shah, Harini Kopparapu, Vanita Gopalan, Santoshi Kopparapu, Praveen Kanumuri, Lalitha Barla, Ramesh Routhu, Suresh Rajan





02/22/2025 - Capuchin Soup Kitchen


Youth Lead: Anushka Vikram


VT Seva Detroit volunteers had the opportunity to serve at Capuchin Soup Kitchen, a local organization committed to fighting hunger and supporting individuals in need. During the event, the volunteers helped serve hot meals, packed food boxes, and assisted with organizing and distributing supplies. In total, they helped serve 200 underprivileged individuals in Detroit. Through their efforts, the volunteers were able to make a meaningful contribution to the community.


Volunteers: Anushka Vikram, Kaustubh Dingari, Mihir Inamdar, Rachana Ragunathan, Sanyog Iyengar, Swara Rege, Siddarth Ram, Varshini Barla, Vanitha Gopalan, Ranjini Shankar, Vikram Muthyam





02/25 - Fleece & Thank You - Grab & Go Project Group 1


Youth Lead: Shravya Dumbala


Over the course of two weeks, VT Seva Detroit youth volunteers participated in a meaningful remote volunteering project with Fleece & Thank You. Volunteers took home blanket kits and conducted detailed quality checks to ensure each blanket was perfect for the children receiving them. With our help, over 77 blankets were inspected and prepared with care! From retying and trimming strands to carefully bagging each blanket, our youth ensured they met every standard.


Volunteers: Shravya Dumbala, Rachana Ragunathan, Varshini Barla, Kushi Kanumuri, Shreyas Posam, Sai Praval Kotha, Arav Patel, Avni Patel, Pahal Shah, Amogh Mavatoor, Videep Routhu, Swathi, Vanitha, Suresh





03/01/2025 - Fleece & Thank You Warehouse Volunteering


Youth Lead: Shraya Ved


VT Seva Detroit volunteers joined Fleece & Thank You for this event. Together, they sorted, tied, checked, and packed 775 fleece blankets, which will be given to children staying in hospitals across Michigan. Volunteers made sure the blankets were strong, neat, and ready to go, helping support the efforts of Fleece & Thank You.


Volunteers: Shraya Ved, Avni Patel, Kaustubh Dingari, Varshini Barla, Advithi Kothapalli, Rachana Ragunathan, Harshita Vangavety, Aanya Janga, Arav Patel, Pahal Shah, Videep Routhu, Anushka Vikram, Ameya Yeddula, Dhruvi Shah, Rathneesh Bala, Vanitha Gopalan, Suresh Rajan, Niraj Patel, Srivardhan Dingari, Shilpa Shah, Lavanya Kothapalli





03/07/2025 - FREE Financial Wellness Webinar


Our VT Seva Detroit members had the opportunity to attend a free Will & Trust session, where we learned about the importance of planning ahead to protect our families and future. The session covered the basics of wills and trusts, how they work, and why they matter, not just for older adults, but for young people starting their financial journeys too. It was eye-opening to see how a little preparation can make a big difference.





03/16/2025 - Disabled American Veterans - Forget Me Not Flower Project


Youth Lead: Aanya Das


Our volunteers created about 4,000 forget-me-not flowers to show appreciation for disabled American veterans. This meaningful project allowed our VT Seva Detroit youth volunteers to express gratitude for the veterans who served our country. 


Volunteers: Sahana Sagayanathan, Yashasen Jagtap, Videep Routhu, Shraya Ved, Shreyas Posam, Aanya Das, Varshini Barla, Pranav Kota, Akshat Shrivastava, Devon Holani, Aarav Holani, Arnav Mutyala





03/23/2025 - Kroger Food Drive 


VT Seva Detroit had a fulfilling and fantastic day at the Kroger Novi Stores Solicitation event. Volunteers did an incredible job engaging with Kroger customers, and promoting our 5th Annual Food Drive and Fundraising initiative for Food Gatherers. Thanks to their enthusiasm and teamwork, we collected 26 boxes of food items along with cash donations, making this event a great success.


Volunteers: Kaustubh Dingari, Yashasen Jagtap  Kushi Kanumuri ,Tritha Parikh, Avni Patel, Arav Patel, Advithi Kothapalli, Varshini Barla, Shravya Dumbala, Pahal Shah, Aashritha Golla, Akshara Datla, Rana Nagoji, Yathi Debbata,Varun Aerabati


Links: N/A




03/25 - Fleece & Thank You - Grab & Go Project Group 2


Youth Lead: Shravya Dumbala


Volunteers re-tied loose or uneven strands, trimmed edges for consistency, and checked for holes or tears, patching them up when needed to ensure each blanket was perfect for a child in need. Our collaboration helped quality check over 70 blankets for Fleece & Thank You to distribute to children in hospitals across Michigan!


Volunteers: Shraya Ved, Harshita Vangaveti, Ameya Yeddula, Rathneesh Bala, Kaustubh Dingari, Dhruvi Shah, Anushka Vikram, Advithi Kothapalli, Vanitha Gopalan, Suresh Rajan, Neha Ved





03/25 - Fleece & Thank You - Grab & Go Project Group 3


Youth Lead: Aanya Janga


11 VT Seva Detroit youth volunteers worked together to quality check and fix over 85 fleece blankets for metro Detroit children's hospitals. Volunteers took home blanket bags, followed Fleece & Thank You’s guidelines to re-tie, trim, and inspect the blankets, and sorted them based on quality. After making sure everything was perfect, the blankets were dropped off to be distributed to kids in hospitals.


Volunteers: Niharika Prabhu, Harini Kopparapu, Hiba Zyna, Pranav Kota, Aanya Das, Varun Aerabati, Swara Rege, Oviya Jaisankar, Saanvi Rameswarapu, Rana Velagapudi




03/29/2025 - Forgotten Harvest


Youth Lead: Rachana Raghunathan


Our VT Seva Detroit volunteers had a sweet opportunity to help Forgotten Harvest fight hunger by packing 10,874 pounds of chocolate for distribution across Metro Detroit. Together, we packed, sealed, and labeled bags of chocolate, each weighing about 2 pounds, which will go to around 2,718 families. The chocolate will be sent to schools, food pantries, and churches in the coming week


Volunteers: Rachana Raghunathan, Harshita Vangaveti, Varshini Barla, Anushka Vikram, Varun Aerabati, Shreya Shetty, Sahana Sagayanathan, Pahal Shah, Shravya Dumbala, Sai Praval Kotha, Kaustubh Dingari, Anish Kompella, Vanitha Gopalan, Suresh Rajan, Vaishnavi Aerabati, Ranjani Shankar








Youth Board Events:


01/25 - Towel Drive


Youth Lead: Oviya Jaisankar


Every year, around 6.3 million animals enter shelters across the U.S., many without homes or care. For the fourth year in a row, VT Seva Detroit partnered with Last Day Dog Rescue to support their mission of helping foster animals find loving homes. Over 25 Youth Board members donated more than 100 towels to assist the dedicated volunteers who care for these animals every day. 


Volunteers: Oviya Jaisankar, Kushal Durga, Rachana Raghunathan, Varun Aerabati, Pranav Kota, Avni Patel, Arav Patel, Aanya Das, Saahas Atluri, Swara Rege, Amogh Mavatoor, Rishabh Mavatoor, Dhruvi Shah, Saicharan Saripalli, Shalini Srinivas, Varshan Muhinthan, Kethana Vunyala, Varshini Barla, Sai Sri Ram Karnati, Videep Routhu, Aarav Holani, Devon Holani, Akshith Ashwanth, Sanyog Iyengar, Sankeerth Enganti, Saathvik Koneru, Komathy, Nalini, Srinath, Kanchana, and Priya






01/25 - Grocery Bag Drive


Youth Lead: Aanya Das


VT Seva Detroit Youth Board collected 1,136 clean plastic bags for Open Door Ministries, who will use them to package and distribute essentials to those in need. This effort helped both the community and the environment by giving the bags a second life. 








02/16/2025 - CASS Community Kitchen


Youth Lead: Oviya Jaisankar


Volunteers braved through rough road conditions to serve at Cass Community Services, where they packed over 250 bagged lunches, made fresh sandwiches, and cleaned the kitchen top to bottom. From organizing supplies to other unexpected tasks, the volunteers showed dedication.


Volunteers: Oviya Jaisankar, Sai Sri Ram Karnati, Kaustubh Dingari, Amogh Mavatoor, and Rishabh Mavatoor, Suresh Ji, Srinath Ji, Srivardhan Ji, Niveditha Ji, Jaisankar Ji, and Priya Ji





02/25 - Coats & Socks Drive for Grace Centers of Hope


Youth Lead: Varshan Muhinthan


In February, the VT Seva Detroit Youth Board supported Grace Centers of Hope, one of Michigan’s largest faith-based programs for individuals battling homelessness and substance abuse. Volunteers collected and donated over 105 coats and 159 pairs of socks to support those in need.


Volunteers: Aanya Das, Akshith Ashwanth, Ameya Yeddula, Amogh Mavatoor, Arav Patel, Avni Patel, Dhruvi Shah, Harini Kopparapu, Hiba Zyna, Ishaan Jaseen, Jyothi ji, Kalki Anand, Kaustubh Dingari, Kavi Anand, Kushal Durga, Oviya Jaisankar, Rachana Raghunathan, Rathneeshwar Balamurugan, Rishabh Mavatoor, Roboknights, Saanvi Rameswarapu, Sai Karnati, Sai Pranav Kotha, Sankeerth Enganti, Sanyog Iyengar, Shraya Ved, Shruthi Adduri, Supraja Pattangi, Swara Rege, Varshini Barla, Varun Aerabati, Videep Routhu



03/02/2025 - Mental Wellness


Youth Lead: Kaustubh Dingari


On March 2nd, World Teen Mental Wellness Day, VT Seva Detroit Youth Board came together to prioritize mental health and spread positivity. Many of the youth sent uplifting messages to peers. This initiative aimed to break the stigma around mental health, promote open conversations, and remind everyone that they are never alone.


Volunteers: Arav, Avni, Hiba, Kaustubh, Oviya, Rathneesh, Sai Sri Ram, Shraya, Shreya, Swara



03/06/2025 - Open Door Ministry


Youth Lead: Varshan Muhinthan


VT Seva Detroit Youth Board volunteers joined Open Door Ministry’s Food Pantry, which supports nearly 400 families weekly by distributing around 20,000 pounds of food. Volunteers worked hard cutting vegetables, packing water bottles, organizing pantry shelves, and loading food into cars for families in need. It was a meaningful and eye-opening experience that gave everyone a better understanding of the impact food pantries have in supporting the community.


Volunteers: Sanyog Iyengar, Rana Nagoji, Varshan Muhinthan, Hajanthan Muhinthan, Swara Rege, Yashasen Jagtap, Varshini Bala, Kaustabh Dingari, Komathy Muhinthan, Muhinthan Murugesu, Srivardhan Dingari, Naina Jagtap



03/25 - Clothes Drive for Destined for Destined for Greatness


Youth Lead: Shreya Shetty


The VT Seva Detroit Youth Board partnered with Destined for Greatness to collect and donate over 250 pieces of clothing for their annual Easter Giveaway, helping support individuals and families in the Detroit area. With contributions from 25+ youth board members, the initiative not only provided essential clothing to those in need but also raised awareness about the 11 million tons of textile waste produced annually in the U.S. This project emphasized the importance of sustainability and giving back to the community through thoughtful action.


Volunteers: Aanya Das, Akshith Ashwanth, Ameya Yeddula, Amogh Mavatoor, Anish Kompella, Arav Patel, Avni Patel, Dhruvi Shah, Kaustubh Dingari, Kushal Durga, Oviya Jaisankar, Pahal Shah, Rachana Raghunathan, Rathneesh Bala, Rishabh Mavatoor, Saanvi Rameswarapu, Saanvith Gidijala, Sahana Sagayanathan, Sai Sri Ram Karnati, Sankeerth Enganti, Sanyog Iyengar, Shraya Ved, Shruthi Adduri, Sneha Donepudi, Swara Rege, Varshan Muhinthan, Varshini Barla, Videep Routhu, Vrishank Somula, Prasad, Komathy, Nalini, Srinath, Kanchana, and Priya




03/22/2025 - Brilliant Detroit In Person Event


Youth Lead: Amogh Mavatoor


VT Seva Detroit Youth Board volunteered at Brilliant Detroit’s Littlefield Hub to help organize and redesign the space in preparation for welcoming families. Volunteers sorted donations like diapers, toys, and clothes, built furniture, labeled boxes, arranged bookshelves, and cleaned up the playroom. It was a meaningful day of teamwork, service, and giving back.


Volunteers: Advithi Kothapalli, Amogh Mavatoor, Anushka Vikram, Rachana Raghunathan, Rishabh Mavatoor, Varshini Barla, Durga Nalini, Lalitha Barla




03/25 - Books and Toys Drive for Brilliant Detroit


Youth Lead: Swara Rege


VT Seva Detroit Youth Board partnered with Brilliant Detroit to host a Used Book & Toy Drive, collecting 343 books and 72 toys to support children and families in need. Thanks to the generosity of 44 youth board members, these donations will not only bring joy and learning to many young kids but also help reduce environmental waste by keeping these  items out of landfills.


Volunteers: Akshara Datla, Akshith Ashwanth, Amogh Mavatoor, Arav Patel, Avni Patel, Aanya Das, Dhruvi Shah, Harini Kopparapu, Kaustubh Dingari, Oviya Jaisankar, Rachana Raghunathan, Rishabh Mavatoor, Saanvi Rameswarapu, Sahana Sagayanathan, Shraya Ved, Siddarth Ram, Sneha Donepudi, Supraja Pattangi, Tarun Sethilkumar, Varshan Muhinthan, Varshini Barla, Varun Aerabati, Videep Routhu, Anoop Jaganna, Rachana Rege, Priya Jaisankar, Srinath Karnati, Kanchana Perumalla, Durga Sangita









 
 
 
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