The Spirit Of Giving

By Rajendra Saywack &

Roshni Persaud

 

From it's inception in the Summer of 1999, the New Concept Democratic Club-Youth Organization (NCDC-YO) has maintained a constant interaction between its members and the community around them.  Often, this interaction comprised of having our members involved in activities aimed at uplifting the lives of our fellow youths in the community, through school clean up campaigns, voter registration and citizenship drives, and recreational activities throughout the city.

 

            On November 22, the organization once again proved that its activities were not simply confined to the youths in the community.  On this fall morning, 10 members of NCDC-YO embarked on the group's first annual Thanksgiving food drive, by visiting the United Hindu Seniors Citizen Center at the corner of Lefferts Blvd. and Sutter Avenue in South Ozone Park, Queens.  Our members arrived at the center bearing meals for the over 25 senior citizens who were at the center that day.  In addition, thanks to the kind donations of Mrs. Georgia, of the Agate Seventh Day Adventist Church of Richmond Hill, we were also able to donate large quantities of cereals, juices, canned foods, and other prepackaged meals to the center. 

 

            The center has been in existence for over a year now.  Under the supervision of Mrs. Chan Jamoona, it provides outreach services to East Indian senior citizens in the New York area, in the form of meals and medical assistance, as well as recreational activities, which include music, yoga and Hindi classes.  These services are offered from Monday to Friday, from 10:00am until 3:00pm.

 

As part of our Thanksgiving food drive, members of NCDC-YO took it upon themselves to cook lunch and spend the day with the seniors who had gathered at the center.  After unloading the meals, our youth members were formally introduced to the seniors by Mrs. Jamoona.  The seniors were clearly delighted to have our presence at the center, and reiterated their appreciation for our services throughout the remainder of the day.

 

            After being introduced, the youth members went about preparing the lunches, while the elders continued their daily routines, which included a yoga class.  Incidentally, this caught the attention of several youth members, who were more than inclined to join in. 

 

            While preparing the lunches, we were sure to adhere to the strict vegetarian diet that the members of the center followed.  Therefore, in preparing the meals, members were careful not to make any dishes that would conflict with their eating habits.  Less than an hour later, the members of the center were all enjoying a delicious meal of vegetable fried rice, roti, potato curry, as well as fruit and vegetable salads. 

 

            As the clock slowly drifted towards 3:00pm, the youth members were gradually getting ready to call it a day.  However, the elders at the center would not allow us to leave, without first showing us one final token of their appreciation.  Before leaving, the members of NCDC-YO were treated to a small cultural performance by the members of the center, who were more than delighted to demonstrate their abilities on the Dholak, Dhantal and Harmonium.  For the remainder of the afternoon, our members were treated to an ensemble of Bhajans and local folk songs.  As the tempo picked up, one senior member took it upon herself to perform a small dance number, which this writer will undoubtedly admit, put the dancing abilities of our younger members to shame.

 

            At the end of the day, our members said their good-byes to the seniors at the center.  It was not easy leaving that afternoon, as we realized that there was much more that needed to be done.  There was almost sadness in the air, however this was soon dissipated, when it was revealed that we would also be back at the center in time for the Christmas holidays.  By accomplishing this small deed, NCDC-YO has once again shown its commitment and devotion to the community around us.  By building these broad social networks, we are essentially creating the foundations that will eventually allow us to improve the lives of everyone in the community.

 

            On behalf of the New Concept Democratic Club-Youth Organization, I would like to express my thanks to the members of the United Hindu Senior Citizens Center, for allowing us to volunteer our services. In addition, special thanks to Mrs. Chan Jamoona, Mrs. Georgia, and of course all the dedicated members of NCDC-YO, who's help made this all possible.

 

            If you are interested in joining or finding out more information about New Concept Democratic Club-Youth Organization, please visit us on the web at www.ncdcyo.web.com.  Our next meeting will be held on Sunday, December 10th @ 2:00pm, at Chateau Royale. 

 

            In addition, NCDC-YO will also be conducting a used clothing drive from December 4th -18th.  If you have clothing you would like to donate, please drop them off at Liberty Pediatrics, at the corner of 122nd Street and Liberty Avenue.  All donations will go towards the Salvation Army.

 

            On behalf of the entire executive committee, I would like to wish all members of NCDC-YO, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.