By Judith Dorato O’Gara 

Aashni Sai Anantapalli is not only a member of Girl Scout Troop 62483, she’s also an accomplished member of EKAM USA, an organization that aims to improve life for underprivileged children and communities through community service projects. As part of the local chapter, Ekam Boston, Anantapalli recently held a collection in Holliston for #Operationcarefortroops, collecting 121 pounds of candy, 110 energy bars, 55 big Hershey chocolate bars, ramen noodles, Ritz cookies and dental hygiene supplies. She also got other Holliston kids to help out in creating 110 thank-you cards for active troops and veterans. 

Those supplies collected locally were coupled with donations from other towns for a total of 1,100 lbs. of sweet treats, 50 sets of dental supplies, and 250 handmade cards and donated to the NH National Guard Armory in Nashua, NH, where they will be sent put into Santa sock-shaped bags and given to military.

Fifteen-year-old Aashni has been part of EKAM USA for almost five years, leading a number of drives following Halloween, as well as a Savers clothing drive last April that yielded 3,000 lbs. of clothes and 2,000 lbs. of household items to benefit people less fortunate in India.

“I really like helping people and making the people feel like they’re a part of the community,” says Holliston High School sophomore, who believes individuals in the U.S. sometimes take what they have for granted. “Just because they don’t have the same things we have, they’re not different,” she adds.

Anantapalli felt the candy for troops collection was important as well, “because (soldiers) are protecting us and doing so much and sacrificing and risking their life for us, and this is just a small thing that can make their day brighter and make them happier while they’re doing so much for us.”

Aashni’s Mom, Sudha Kolla, says her daughter’s desire to help others began in middle school. “She always likes to do something, whenever someone is in need. She really enjoys in giving something. Even when we go to India, that’s what she always does.”

Aashni has earned Bronze and Silver Presidential Volunteer Service Awards through EKAM USA, awards individuals must earn much as they do in scouting, based on leadership projects completed and hours devoted. She has also achieved all of the criteria for the Presidential Gold Award, but she has yet to receive it. 

Aashni and her mom have a message for the Holliston community that has supported her charitable drives:

“THANK YOU, HOLLISTON COMMUNITY, FOR BEING AMAZING, SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE. Special thanks to Syam Kollu, a 6th grader, for providing his awesome support in middle school and around the community.”

For more information on EKAM USA, visit www.ekamusa.org.