Saketh's Blog

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with two incredible organizations: Aquameridian and Kids Against Hunger. Each group focuses on tackling critical issues in our communities and beyond. These experiences reinforced the idea that small efforts, when multiplied, can create real and lasting change.

Last week, I joined Aquameridian to help clean up a beach near Alameda, California. Aquameridian is a project driven by the belief that consistent, local action can lead to meaningful environmental progress. Picking up trash might seem like a small task, but it plays a significant role in preserving our natural spaces and protecting marine life. When communities come together for causes like this, we are not just cleaning up; we are building awareness and setting a standard for environmental responsibility.

Just the week before, I volunteered with Kids Against Hunger, a nonprofit organization focused on fighting food insecurity among children. There, I helped package meals to be distributed to areas where kids lack consistent access to nutritious food. Hunger, much like pollution, is a complex global issue. But even a few hours of volunteer work can directly impact the lives of those in need.

The beauty of volunteering is that it benefits everyone. Whether you are improving your local neighborhood, supporting global humanitarian efforts, or simply growing as a person, every action has a ripple effect. You do not need to start big to make an impact. You can donate, raise funds, volunteer for existing nonprofits, or even create your own initiative.

In fact, I’m currently working on a personal project to address illegal trash dumping in California. One of the biggest challenges in reporting dump sites is the confusing and overlapping jurisdiction system across districts. It is often unclear which agency is responsible, and this leads to delays or inaction. My app aims to simplify this process by identifying the correct organization based on location and pre-filling reporting forms. This makes it much easier for residents to take action.

Whether it is packing meals, cleaning beaches, or building tools to streamline civic engagement, all of these efforts move us closer to a healthier and more equitable world. With enough small steps in the right direction, we can begin to solve massive problems and create meaningful change.