Kids From 14 Local Schools Pack Lunches For Homeless Individuals

NORTHRIDGE-CHATSWORTH, CA — Students from around the San Fernando Valley came together to pack 900 hand-decorated lunch bags for individuals experiencing homelessness — on National Kindness Day, no less.

The event was organized by Bee the Hope, a non-profit founded by local students and brothers Nirvan and Neil Rayamajhi, with support from local businesses, Granada Hills High School, the "Mom's of Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Northridge and Granada Hills" Facebook group and even councilman John Lee's office.

The Nov. 13 event was held at at New Horizon Church in Reseda. Once volunteers finished packing lunches and hand-decorating the bags, local nonprofit Hope of the Valley picked up the lunch bags to distribute them to homeless individuals.

Some families chose to deliver the bags themselves, said Dikshya Rayamajhi, Nirvan's mom.

The benefit of the event was two-fold, Nirvan Rayamajhi said. The volunteerism benefits the homeless individuals who will eat the meals and offers a learning experience for volunteers.

"The impact of their action-making is quite profound. Not only does [it impact] other people, but some of the kids are finally learning how to make sandwiches for the first time and learning their own leadership skills," Nirvan Rayamajhi said.

Volunteers also participated in a raffle with deals donated by local businesses including one month of free dance classes at Relevé Studios, a free wax service at Sugar Lash, teeth whitening, photography sessions at Perez Family Photography and more.

Lee's office sponsored "Bee the Hope" t-shirts for the event and the painting materials were donated by Gaspar Insurance Services in the San Fernando Valley.

Nirvan Rayamajhi, who is now a senior at Granada Hills Charter School, founded Bee the Hope when he was 16. He has always had an interest in volunteerism, but found the inspiration for this organization during the pandemic.

"No matter who you are, no matter what you are, no matter what you do — no matter what gender, race, ethnicity, etcetera — anyone can make an impact and anyone can follow their dreams ... and help the community in any way possible," Nirvan Rayamajhi said.

In its lifetime, Bee the Hope has raised over $25,000 and affected over 30,000 people.

The organization has held similar events in the past, including fundraisers and a hygiene kit-making event, but this event was much bigger given the involvement of so many schools.

"If you do your part — and we all do our part — then we can all make this community a better place," Nirvan Rayamajhi said.

Read More:

• Granada Hills Teen Wins $25K For Community Work
• Northridge Teen Helps Raise $10,000 For The Homeless