The Chicago Rajasthan Association (ARA) kicked off the Thanksgiving season with an inspiring community service initiative at the Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) facility in Aurora. Held on Saturday, the event brought together volunteers from across the region, united by a mission to provide life-sustaining meals to children in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Organized under the leadership of ARA Founder and Chairman Ram Saini and President Rakesh Kumar, the collaboration highlighted the association’s dedication to community engagement and global humanitarian efforts. Partnering with FMSC, a renowned nonprofit focused on combating childhood hunger, offered local families, students, and professionals an opportunity to make a tangible difference.

A standout feature of the day was the strong participation from young volunteers, including high school and college students from the Chicagoland area. Their energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to serve brought a dynamic spirit to the event. Organizers noted that the youth turnout reflected growing awareness and commitment among the next generation.

“Our young volunteers truly stood out,” ARA leaders said. “Their dedication and teamwork played a vital role in making this initiative successful and meaningful.”

During the service session, volunteers worked in coordinated teams, assembling nutrient-rich meal packets using FMSC’s fast-paced and highly efficient packaging system. Combined efforts of adults and youth resulted in thousands of meals, each destined for children facing food insecurity worldwide. Participants described the experience as both rewarding and humbling, emphasizing how hands-on service made the impact immediate and personal.

The event also captured the true spirit of Thanksgiving — a time for gratitude, compassion, and giving back. For many volunteers, serving others provided a reminder of the privilege of abundance and the importance of extending kindness beyond one’s own community. ARA leadership emphasized that the initiative deeply aligned with the association’s values of service and global solidarity.

“We are immensely proud of what we achieved together,” the association said. “This initiative demonstrated the strength of collective action and the tremendous difference a united community can make. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing our mission of supporting global well-being.”

The successful partnership between ARA and FMSC highlighted the growing role of cultural and community organizations in addressing global challenges through local engagement. As the holiday season begins, the event served as a powerful reminder that meaningful change is possible when communities come together with purpose and compassion.