As Covid-19 pandemic has impacted many families making their lives difficult, apart from governmental endeavours, social-minded non-governmental organisations are pitching in and supplementing the needs of food, grocery, rent and more. California-based A Little Happiness Foundation -USA has taken on the mantle of providing Honor Micro-credit in the Bay area of California and assisting other groups in the area for providing food support.

IN A HUMBLE BUT DETERMINED MANNER, responding to the call of COVID-19 impacted individuals and families, the volunteers and activists of the A Little Happiness Foundation USA, are spreading a little cheer through honor micro-credit and food support in the Bay area of California.

Coming on the heels of sharing of packed food and grocery by humanitarian bodies, this is a unique step to enable families to continue with their lives despite financial difficulties. Although federal and state financial assistance programs are in motion, yet there is a need to provide urgent relief to those in dire need.

Elaborating on the project, Vice President – ALHF Rajpal Singh said, “Soon into the first lockdown period, we realised that a big cross-section of the community will have difficulties in paying phone bills, rent and other fixed expenses, buying medicine, baby food and even regular grocery. It was for this that we launched the honor micro-credit program.”

“Upon referral and checking, we contribute anything from $50 to $250 monthly depending upon the family’s situation, the number of family members and the extent of need,” he added.

“Every penny is a life-saving value this day”, said by one of the recipients from Hayward city. “Your help saved me from losing the roof over my head,” said a recipient in Fremont City, who received $700 as the family’s financial situation was precarious.

Dwelling on the various projects of A  Little Happiness Foundation, Rajpal Singh said, “We are committed to following the dictum of ‘Service to Humanity is Service to God.’ We are pleased to share that we serve through micro-credit and food irrespective of color, creed and religion.”

To provide a wholesome package to the residents of the Bay area, A Little Happiness Foundation has contributed their part to support the weekly grocery distribution in partnership with Sikh Food Pantry in association with Khalis Foundation and the Fremont Gurdwara.

“Every Saturday, grocery is delivered to some 100 -150 registered individual homes in 5 cities of Alameda County (Fremont, Milpitas, Hayward, Castro Valley and San Leandro)”.

Rajpal Singh pointed out that, ALHF USA sponsored a Homeless feeding event and a Face Mask distribution drive in partnership with Sikhs for Humanity organisation in May Drive at Glide Church, San Francisco. Every year, ALHF USA sponsors two homeless feeding events.

“Your help saved me from losing the roof over my head,”

A Beneficiary

ALHF also contributed substantially in setting up 4 Dialysis machines at the KD Rotary Community Dialysis Centre in Amritsar, Punjab by associating with the Rotary Club of Amritsar North. Inaugurated in August 2019, with the Rotary Foundation Global Grant, patients at the centre get treatment at a highly discounted rate.

In India, from the states of Maharashtra to Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with local activists and volunteers, during the first and second phase of the India-wide lockdown, ALHF USA provided monthly groceries to the poorest of the poor Sikligars.

“As the volunteer base and contributions from our donors increase, we hope to further extend and enlarge our services.”