Heartland raises money for
service projects

If I am not for myself, who will be?
If I am only for myself, what am I?
If not now, when?
—The Talmud

Our first dana of the new year went to the Seva Foundation to be used to perform cataract surgery on a Tibetan nomad. This type of blindness causes more than half of the world's blindness. Besides surgical procedures, Seva is a group that handles blindness prevention, and promotes healing by training the local inhabitants. Many of the recipients are in Asian countries, such as India, Tibet, Nepal, & Cambodia. There are also Native American and Mayan projects to assist in diabetes control and reclaiming sacred sites. We appreciate Seva's respect for the spirit and culture of various communities and that it seeks long-term solutions to help people to become self reliant. Their advertising uses Buddhist motifs but does not mention Buddhism.

Our next two collections went to CARE for Kosovo refugee emergency efforts. In the largest refugee movement since World War II, CARE is helping the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Macedonia, and Albania by receiving new arrivals, establishing their placement in tents, managing food and non-food distribution, providing medical services, and tracing children and families to reunite them. In Yugoslavia alone, they have distributed 237 metric tons of food and 400,000 eggs.

More locally, Heartland Sangha gave two tables to the Lake Street Church, Evanston, who recently hosted Visakha again. Richard Brandon played a major role in acquiring them at a fair price and saving us hefty delivery charges by delivering them himself.

At each meeting, we also collect non-perishable foodstuffs, such as canned goods, and some household necessities for a Cambodian family in Chicago. Asayo does the delivery each month and reports that they are very glad to receive them.

We are practicing the paramita dana in these many varied ways. I am glad that we are willing and able to share.

Dana is an important part of the Heartland Sangha mission. Our members donate money and food every month for these projects. If you would like to learn more about how to help please email us.