Merced County high school student creates coronavirus protective kits for homeless
Buhach Colony High School junior Rishi Vanga is doing what he can to help the homeless community during the coronavirus pandemic.
Vanga, 17, is creating hygiene packets containing items like hand sanitizer, gloves, soap, face masks, antibacterial wipes and a list of tips to prevent contracting the coronavirus.
He’s handed the packs out to dozens of people in the homeless community in Merced County.
“It all started about a month ago, when I was with my dad and brother and we were at Goodwill donating some clothes,” Vanga said.
“Near the dumpster, I saw a homeless woman and I gave her five dollars. This was a time when everyone knew about the coronavirus. I asked her if she knew about the coronavirus. She said she didn’t know about it. That’s when my brain starting thinking, if the homeless community doesn’t know about the coronavirus we have a problem.”
Vanga quickly went to work, drawing up a plan on a white board at home. What could he do to help?
He came up with coronavirus protective kits that he could create. He started working on a website and a plan to get the word out via social media to solicit donations.
“It took me a week to create the website,” Vanga said. “We went live, posted links to the website on social media and my family shared it with their friends.”
Vanga’s website Karepackages.com has helped him solicit $2,320 in donations so far. Vanga has already handed out 84 kits. He personally handed the kits to people in the homeless community.
He dropped off the leftover kits at the Merced Rescue Mission.
Vanga plans to make 32 more kits for a total of 116 when more supplies are delivered on April 28.
Those who know Vanga say they are impressed by his desire to help others.
“I’m extremely heartfelt when a student shows the foresight without being asked to do something like this, giving up their time to help others with no other reason but they’re selfless, kindhearted and they care for others,” said Buhach Colony principal Jennifer Euker. “It makes me feel such pride and gratitude.
“I think all of us can learn a lot from him. Talking to our teachers, they were not surprised he was doing something like this. They felt that it’s exactly his personality,” she added.
Vanga says the people who have received the kits have been grateful.
“You can see the looks on their faces,” Vanga said. “After I handed the Kare Packages, I went back two or three days later and asked them about the kits. I asked if I should add anything and they said lotions and cleansers.”
Vanga then went out and was able to receive donations for hand and body lotions, shampoos and conditioners.
“It’s amazing, I honestly didn’t expect to get so much support from the community,” Vanga said. “Everyone has been so nice.”
This story was originally published April 27, 2020 at 10:07 AM.
