Congratulations to Delaware Governor’s 2023 Youth Volunteer Service Award winners and nominees.
On June 21st, Charity Crossing youth volunteers received 5 out of the 11 awards in the individual youth service award category. We are achieving this honor two years in a row. It was another proud moment for Charity Crossing.
It was a great event. Well attended by our CC families. We were honored to have the grandparents of Sid and Shravan, who came from India and joined us to cheer their grandchildren. We had great conversations at the event with our Governor, John Carney, DHSS Secretary, Molly Magarik, and Deputy Secretary, Daniel Walker. It was a well-organized and well-done event. Thanks to Volunteer Delaware for giving us a unique experience.
Special thanks to Sukanya Subramanian for her assistance with the nomination process. CC would like to thank the parents for supporting and sacrificing their children to achieve this remarkable milestone.
Samhitha Vallury
Samhitha Vallury is a MOT Charter High School senior who dedicates her time to volunteering primarily with Charity Crossing at the Rose Hill Community Center. Samhitha also helps set up and organize giveaways and assists with unloading, sorting, and loading donations at the Hicks Community Center in Wilmington, Trinity Church in Middletown, and Lion of Judah Bible Café in Perryville, MD. She volunteered over 125 hours in 2022 through Charity Crossing, earning her the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Bronze medal. Samhitha is also a National Technology Student Association (TSA) Officer, representing and serving over 300,000 students nationwide. Additionally, she interned with the Food Bank of Delaware and volunteered with the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware.
Shravan Subramaniam
Shravan Subramaniam is a senior at Appoquinimink High School who leads and participates in events and groups for Charity Crossing. He volunteers weekly and has won the Presidential Volunteer Service Award at the Bronze Level for two years. Shravan also tutored middle school students in India, organized events such as winter clothes and children’s toy drives, set up trash pickups at local public parks, and interned with UP Cycle Design, a startup company focused on sustainability. He is the Secretary of Interact Club, a member of the National Honor Society, and a Varsity Cross Country athlete. He also volunteered with UD as a scorekeeper during a Special Olympics basketball tournament and continues to intern with UP Cycle Design, a University of Delaware startup company focused on sustainability within the cloth industry. Shravan received the Volunteer Excellence Award from Senators Stephanie Hansen and Nicole Poore.
Adil Ameen
Adil Ameen is a high school junior at MOT Charter High School and a dedicated volunteer for Charity Crossing. He volunteered more than 345 hours in 2022, helping with food collection and distribution, weekly donation pickup, and several drives. Adil’s creative skills have allowed him to be part of the newsletter team and make event flyers. Adil earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold medal for two consecutive years and the Volunteer Excellence Award from Stephanie Hansen and Nicole Poore. He is also involved in various school clubs, such as Science Olympiad, Green Club, Chess Club, Lego League club, and plays basketball on his school team.
Siddharth Sharma
Siddharth Sharma is a student at Alfred G Waters Middle School who volunteers for Charity Crossing. Siddharth helps unload and sort donations at the warehouse weekly, serving at various locations and volunteering with the Stockings for Soldiers. He is also a member of the Charity Crossing newsletter team and one of the youth leads organizing the annual Autism Walk. In addition to his volunteer work, Siddharth is an honor roll student and a National Junior Honor Society member. He is a certified Grade 4 pianist and has performed in several musicals and all-state chorus. He manages the district champion cross-country team. Siddharth’s enthusiasm and commitment to volunteerism have earned him the title of “Spirit of Charity Crossing.” He is also the first youth in Charity Crossing history to win the Volunteer of the Year award.
Tanuj VS Dontaraju
Tanuj VS Dontaraju is a sophomore at Newark Charter High School. He has been a member of Charity Crossing for over two years. He actively participates in weekly events at Hicks Community Center and monthly giveaway events with the Police Athletic League of Wilmington (PAL), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and Glasgow Park. Tanuj co-led the Stockings for Soldiers event and sent out Christmas gifts to soldiers serving overseas. Through Charity Crossing, Tanuj volunteered more than 105 hours in 2022 and won Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Gold medals in 2021 and 2022. He has also earned “The 2022 Volunteer Excellence Award,” given by Senators Stephanie Hansen and Nicole Poore. Tanuj also participates in junior varsity basketball.
Quotes From The Winners
“It has been an honor to serve for Charity Crossing. I thank everyone who has supported me.” – Siddharth Sharm.
“Charity Crossing has been a constant for me in my last four years. I want to thank everyone who helped me along my journey.” – Shravan Subramaniam.
“Since 2020, I have volunteered out of the kindness of my heart. Three years later, I still volunteer with Charity Crossing. To everyone who has supported me, thank you so very much! I appreciate all of you!” – Adil Ameen.
“Being a part of Charity Crossing has been one of the most important parts of my high school experience. I’ve learned so much and truly grown because of this organization. Thank you to everyone who has supported me!!” – Samhitha Vallury.
