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SewaDiwali recognized for community efforts in Peoria-Illinois
The group aims to create a platform of shared values to organize food collection and other donation drives around the festival of Diwali.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Wed, 08, Oct 2025
- 23:27 EDT
- 25
SewaDiwali leaders posing with the award / Neighborhood House via Facebook
SewaDiwali, a community-based humanitarian organization, was awarded the A.S. Oakford Award at this year's 'Neighborhood House House Party: 70s Disco!'
SewaDiwali is a multi-faith initiative led by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and other Indian socio-cultural groups who believe in Sewa Dharma or the idea that service to humanity is service to divinity.
The unique recognition honors its commitment to service, compassion, and community collaboration. Through its annual efforts and dedication to giving back, SewaDiwali has made a lasting impact on local families and individuals in need, said Neighborhood House on Facebook.
Since 2018, SewaDiwali has shared over 3 million pounds of food, covering city halls, schools and temples. It relies on donations in the form of vegetarian non-perishable food such as beans, cereal or pasta, which is collected and redistributed by the organization around the festival of Diwali.
ALSO READ: Sewa Diwali donates over 500K pounds of food in 2023
In 2024 alone, 717,000 pounds of food was donated to 266 beneficiaries, spread across 200 cities.
In a video describing its efforts, SewaDiwali said, "Festivals are for sharing. What if your light could brighten another home? New clothes, sweets, the scent of celebration. But in many homes, festivals arrive without joy."
It also said, " When you give, you don't just share food. You share dignity. You share light. You become the light."
Neighborhood House is a Peoria-based charity organization established in 1896. It provides critical services that feed, educate, and empower the local community.
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