Participants gathered at the Doshi family home in Voorhees for the annual event on Oct. 11, when more than 200 backpacks were assembled to support children in need through Volunteers of America.
The power of learning and compassion were among themes expressed at the Voorhees home of Anish and Kanchi Doshi on the morning of Oct. 11, when more than 140 families, children and volunteers gathered for the annual Gandhi Day of Service.
The idea of education that opens doors, encourages dreams and gives every child a fair shot reflected the event’s purpose to support children in need through Operation Backpack, a Volunteers of America program that provides backpacks and school supplies to children living in homeless or domestic violence shelters.
Everyone arrived at the Doshi home wearing matching shirts printed with the quote, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” The message, attributed to Indian peace activist Mahatma Gandhi, set the tone for a day filled with unity, reflection and action.
“We wanted this year’s event to spotlight learning and opportunity,” said Anish and Kanchi. “Education has the power to shape futures and open doors for every child, no matter their circumstances. Giving students the tools they need to succeed is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference.”
The event drew a large crowd to assemble more than 200 backpacks donated by families throughout the community. Children also participated in creative activities – including bookmark and placard making – and everyone came together for a community lunch.
“It was such a joyful and hands-on process,” noted Kanchi. “Families moved through different stations. Some packed notebooks and crayons, others added pencils and folders, while the youngest children made handmade bookmarks with encouraging messages.
“There was laughter, teamwork and a real sense of purpose in every corner of the room.”
After the backpacks were delivered to the Volunteers of America location in Collingswood, the organization expressed its appreciation for the community’s generosity.
“They were so amazed and grateful,” Anish shared. “Each bag represents a chance for a child to start the school year feeling confident and supported.”
The day’s program at the Doshi home featured a lineup of performances and speeches by children and community members, all centered on learning, kindness and service.
Ariana Doshi, the youngest performer and a kindergartener, began with a welcome song that set an inclusive tone. Her sister Simira, a third-grader, reflected on lessons learned from her grandparents, reminding guests that education extends far beyond the classroom.
Hemal Kacharia, Kanchi’s mother and a former teacher, shared her insights from years spent nurturing students and grandchildren alike. Other young speakers carried the theme forward, including 6-year-old Kaira Thakkar, who told a story about Gandhi and his spinning wheel; Myra Kohli, a fifth-grader who described her “perfect backpack” as one filled with kindness and curiosity; Saumil Chheda, who led a “Did You Know?” trivia segment about education; and Aarav Bhardwaj, who performed John Lennon’s “Imagine.”
Mahin Patel spoke on the strength that comes from learning, quoting Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Aadya and Nikki Chawla delivered a dialogue on why education is the key to empowerment. Aarav Kohli reflected on the timeless saying: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Tejal Fillmore shared a poem about Malala Yousafzai – a Pakistani activist and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate in history – highlighting the courage it takes to stand up for education. And Soham Chheda offered his own five-minute rap, “Knowledge is Power.”
“The performances brought a remarkable sense of heart and energy to the morning,” Kanchi observed. “Seeing the children express ideas like kindness, resilience and curiosity in their own voices was incredibly moving. Each act showed that service and compassion aren’t abstract – they’re choices we can make every day.”
“Education taught me how to read the world, but service taught me how to write it better.”
The day ended with participants who said they planned to continue giving back.
“We hope everyone left feeling inspired and connected,” Kanchi explained. “A pencil, a note of encouragement, or a backpack filled with care can give a child hope. Service isn’t something that happens once a year, it can be part of everyday life.”
“You are never too young to make a difference,” Anish added. “Every action matters. Helping others brings a sense of joy and purpose that stays with you.
“That’s the real lesson we hope to share.”
