An NGO is arranging food for families of patients admitted to AIIMS, Safdarjung by selling newspapers

The old newspapers piling up in your storeroom could help feed hungry patients or their attendants waiting outside the city’s biggest government hospitals — All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Safdarjung.

The next time you plan to sell these newspapers, make an effort and donate them at Uday Foundation, an NGO working to aid the homeless and offer humanitarian assistance.

Organised twice a week

Speaking about the initiative, founder of Uday Foundation, Rahul Verma said: “We sell the newspapers so collected to paper manufacturers. The money we get is used to put together a food donation drive organised for caregivers of patients admitted to AIIMS and Safdarjung.”

Ray of hope

Organised twice a week, between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday, the food drive caters to approximately 1,000 people in a day. On an average, one plate of food costs ₹15, which can be earned by selling 1.5 kg of newspapers.

“Isn’t it wonderful how much of a difference we can make with a simple act of generosity. Food donation vehicles can be a ray of hope for the patients and their families during their toughest times. People here have to buy even drinking water, a glass of which costs ₹2. Any help we offer is important,” added Mr. Verma.

‘Families go hungry’

According to him, many patients admitted to government hospitals come from nearby States and are often very poor.

“In several cases, the family goes hungry to save money. We give free, but wholesome, food to families of underprivileged patients admitted to government hospitals, and also to children who come from far-off places to Delhi hospitals for treatment.”

Volunteers welcome

“The out-of-pocket expenditure turns out to be very high for the poorest of the poor who come to government hospitals. My desire to do something for people comes from my family’s brush with reality while seeking treatment for our son, who was born with multiple health issues,” said Mr. Verma.

Those willing to donate can visit the Foundation’s centre at 113A/1, Adchini, Sri Aurobindo Marg. Volunteers can also join the team during the food distribution drive.

“Such a service goes beyond kind words and prayers. Sometimes, family members of patients do not have time to look after themselves, not even to eat, which is a basic necessity, as they go around taking care of their loved ones,” Mr. Verma concluded.