All children easily relate to other children who are suffering and in need. By getting kids involved in Akshaya Patra, they learn a valuable life-lesson: that there is a world beyond school, sports and homework; that there are people who are needy and who deserve attention and help; that even small steps can make a big difference.

• Sell Akshaya Patra bracelets (available through the home office).
• Earn money for chores that can be donated to Akshaya Patra.
• Put away money from their allowance. As children get a little older, they can begin giving a small percentage of allowance or savings to charity.
• Create crafts (hand made cards and gifts) for the holidays – great for fundraising among neighbors and school friends.
• Baking classes for kids – invite parents for a fundraiser on the final day where they can taste the treats. Alternatively for fundraising, sell these treats at local fairs and school bake sales.
• Yoga and Meditation classes for kids with class fees donated to Akshaya Patra.
• Raise money through yard sales of gently used toys and books (things owned by children so they feel involved).
• Host talent nights (dance, music, plays, magic tricks) within small circles of friends – everyone loves to see children performing. Raise money through ticket collections.
• Host kid-friendly contests for charity (perhaps hold a silent auction after the contest). Contests could include art, lego building, play dough/clay sculptures, puppet making, storytelling, story writing, chess, checkers – let the kids free their spirit and hearts all at once. Raise money through suggested donation as part of the contest entry.
• For Halloween, motivate children to approach neighbors for a chance to donate spare change rather than candy.
• Go beyond your immediate social circle and approach local schools, nursery schools, etc., to spread the word.

Tips for fundraising with children:

• Choose a product that children can handle and sell easily.
• Choose items with an even price so children will be able to keep track of money.
• Always make sure children have adult supervision.

There are many other creative ways to get your children involved with this great cause. Past Akshaya Patra children events have included:

Muraco School, Winchester, Massachusetts,  December 2008
The fifth graders at the Muraco School participated in a community service project to raise awareness about Akshaya Patra. They created educational materials in art class and presented information about Akshaya Patra to the other grades at the school. They handed out letters and pencils to their fellow students, and raised funds. The project was called "WE CARE, WE SHARE, WE SPARE."

Andover Elementary Schools,  February 2009
Four elementary schools in Andover, Massachusetts participated in a Valentine’s Day fundraiser, “Heart to Heart: from Andover to India.” The students brought in change and collected donations as Valentine’s Day presents for Akshaya Patra students in India.

Anand Bazaar, Dallas, Texas,  August 2008
Suruchi Srikanth, a high school student, held a booth and raised funds along with her friends asking passersby to donate. $1,650 was raised at this event. The teenagers made Akshaya Patra t-shirts, posters and signs in support of the organization.

Fundraiser, Richmond, Virginia,  August 2008
Priya Pai, a high school student, held a celebration/event with two rock bands, a string orchestra and Bollywood dance number. 90 people attended the event and close to $1,500 was raised.

Gold Cord Project, Dallas, Texas,  Fall 2008
Ramneek Manchanda, a high school student, participated in his school’s Gold Cord Community Service project. He held a 30-hour famine to raise awareness for the cause, sold food donated by local restaurants to his fellow students, sponsored a bake sale and held a basketball tournament. All the proceeds benefited Akshaya Patra.

Akshaya Patra benefit bracelets, Dallas, Texas,  Fall 2008
Sudhish Srikanth, a Dallas middle school student, designed and sold children’s size plastic bracelets. The bracelets cost little to produce, and have the Akshaya Patra website and slogan imprinted.

If you wish to get involved or have additional ideas, please email them to tapf.info@akshayapatrausa.org.