Karunya Mane, our shelter, now houses 38 kids, one adult, and three full-time staff members. The thirty kids who started school this year finished up the year at the end of March, and we are quite happy to report that they all did very well. Most received final grades of As or Bs, and what was most inspiring was the improvement in their study habits and desire to learn.

During the summer break (April/May), the kids remain at Karunya Mane, where they are engaged in a variety of activities. They continue with karate lessons and daily tutoring sessions, and are learning a few helpful hints in the kitchen from our cook and volunteers. And, one of our after-school teachers is engaging the older kids in chess and dance.

Many visitors and volunteers to Karunya Mane commented on how clean and well-behaved our kids are, especially after learning that they are all from the streets or horrible slum conditions. If you are in Mysore, please give us a call to schedule a visit to meet our kids! And for frequent updates on what’s going on the kids at KM, keep an eye on our blog.

We now have 30 kids in our Project Food and More program, which distributes monthly care packages to destitute kids and their guardians. Our newest additions include Sagar and Sindhu, who lost their dad to HIV/AIDS eight years ago. They live with their mom and the three are alone, as their extended family refuses to acknowledge their existence. Also new to the program are Ravivarma, age seven, who lost his dad to HIV/AIDS and who stays with his mom in their uncle’s house for free. Mom cleans houses and earns 1,000 (US$22) rupees a month.

Over the past few years, several individuals have contributed to our efforts above and beyond, in several ways. They spread the word about our work and contribute goodies and love in meaningful, creative, and touching ways that require time, effort, and thought on their part. As a way of recognizing these individuals—even though they do what they do not for recognition but because they want to—we are announcing the 2009 Operation Shanti Extraordinary Peace Makers.

Infosys Volunteers

Food, clothing, school supplies, plants. Consistent presence in the lives of our kids, helping them become active, good citizens.

Tom Poplawski and Tamara Reasin

Numerous fundraisers.
Endless meals and snacks
for our kids, who love their whole grain, healthy, low sugar cookies!

Mr. Joseph

Spreading the word about our work. Santa Claus for so many kids… And so many presents each year!

Dr. Ben Kim

Fabulous fundraising.
Ongoing publicity and support.

Anuradha Ganesh
Consistent support. Sizeable donations
of food and support staff for fundraising events. Thoughtful guidance and
input into our programs… her endless contributions and impact on our programs are felt by all.

Matthew Ryan

Fundraisers. Events.
Recruiting musical talent.
Articles and publicity.
Friend to the kids.
And more.

Tracy and Ray Cox

Shoes.
Arts and crafts supplies.
Taking collections.
And carrying it all to India for our kids. Wow.

You may sponsor a child here, indicating in the comment box on our donation page that you are sponsoring a Karunya Mane or Project Food and More child. You may also send a check to one of our mailing addresses (the U.S. or India), indicating that you would like to sponsor a child.