The story behind our group

 

The idea of the group stemmed in April 2021 while Covid was at its peak. A group of Livingston moms and students got together and decided to raise money to help India battle Covid 19 after hearing about the country’s massive shortage of oxygen supply and medical equipment. The group was named ‘Livingston Youth Leaders.’ The group decided to hold a bake sale and were able to raise significant funds, benefiting organizations working towards Covid 19 relief efforts The group decided to further collaborate with Dr. Sandhya Shah, President of GKHET in their mission and were able to successfully send oxygen concentrators and Bipap machines to India. This event firmed their belief that together they could do similar projects and help the underserved and unprivileged in the USA and across the world. Subsequently, they have been doing multiple projects helping cancer patients and Food pantry supplies, school supplies drive to  serve the community. Their annual bake sale events have become a community tradition and have successfully raised and donated over $24000 over the past 3 yearsThe group continues to make their footprint in the community and advocating to help those in need.

Our board


Riya Malhotra
Riya is an aspiring sophomore at Livingston High School who has a passion for giving back to the community. At heart Riya is a people person and over the years she has been involved in many social activities where she took on leadership positions by involving others. She is an active volunteer at St. Barnabas hospital where she serves the pre-op patients. Having a huge passion for health sciences, she engages in many philanthropic activities concerning the wellbeing of the community. She is also an active member of the National Charity League and HOSA club at her school. Along with friends, Riya started an organization called Wiser Words, which shares stories of elders. Riya is an avid swimmer and member of YMCA and School swim teams.  In her spare time, Riya likes to read books, do pottery and spend time with her friends.


Aahana Agrawal Aahana, an enthusiastic sophomore at Livingston High School, thrives on making a positive impact. Beyond her involvement with GKHET and National Charity League, she dives headfirst into her passion for STEM, mentoring young robotics enthusiasts and teaching coding to elementary school kids with infectious enthusiasm. As the Captain of her robotics team, she dreams of spreading the magic of STEM . believing in its power to inspire and transform lives. Alongside her STEM pursuits, Aahana finds solace in the beauty of the fine arts, enjoys playing musical instruments, and enthusiastically engages in volleyball matches, embracing the diverse experiences that bring joy to her life.


Vedant Tripathi Vedant is a committed and motivated freshman at Livingston High School, with a passion for volunteering and serving the community. He is an active member of LHS Key Club, participating in activities with senior citizens and disabled kids. He has also volunteered at Livingston Public Library, where he mentored developing readers and inspired young children in their reading journey. Additionally, Vedant has volunteered at a summer camp to support and assist special needs children in a variety of activities. He is also a volunteer at Sewa, a non-profit organization specializing in disaster relief and rehabilitation. Vedant is a tennis player who plays for his school team. In his free time, Vedant loves to play violin and read books.


Vivaan Srivastava Vivaan is a rising sophomore in Livingston High School. His interests vary from adventures like cliff diving, water rappelling, sailing, among others in summer and black diamond level skiing in winter to basketball and soccer. He took his interest of listening to music a little further by learning how toproduce music in his free time. Currently he is developing cultural awareness, citizenship, and leadership skills by being a Boy Scout of BSA. Having a creative side and keeping himself so close to nature, he involved himself in helping organizations like GHKET outreach programs dedicated to enhancing the underserved population to provide sustainable support and Hitaji Development initiative, an organization which focuses on development of women and girls of Kenya.


Aarav Sekhri Aarav is a dedicated freshman at Newark Academy who is passionate about serving his community. He has actively participated in art competitions where the proceeds supported meaningful causes, such as the public library and the Friendship Circle, which aids children with special needs. He also actively engages with his school’s service council events, contributing to various community initiatives such as soup kitchens, food drives, and public park/garden cleanups. Aarav is a tennis player who plays for his school team. In his free time, he enjoys coding and playing the saxophone.


Jainam Gandhi  Meet Jainam, a passionate sophomore at Livingston High School. As the Co-Treasurer of GKHET, Jainam is committed to giving back to the community. Beyond his role in GKHET, he has volunteered at events like World Yoga Day, Elder Care Centers, and kids’ cricket matches. Jainam aspires to create a positive impact while exploring new opportunities. When not volunteering or pursuing new interests, you’ll find Jainam playing various sports or experimenting in the kitchen. His belief that every small effort matters fuels the excitement to continue making a positive impact.



Nikhil Tiwari Nikhil is a sophomore at Livingston High School whose heart lies with people of need. Along with being part of Livingston youth leader fundraisers since 2021, he embodies a remarkable array of talents and hobbies that he gives 100% of his dedication to. As a representative of Livingston High School, he showcased his exceptional vocal talent by securing 8th place in the entire state in All-State chorus. Beyond his musical achievements, Nikhil has a lifestyle filled with physical activities, including weightlifting and Mixed Martial Arts, where he is part of leadership club to help teach younger students. In addition to his physical pursuit, Nikhil has a passion for mathematics, always trying to challenge himself to his fullest potential for the subject. Putting all of his hobbies and talents together, he has a rare mix of artistic sensitivity, physical drive, curiosity for learning, and most importantly, a desire to help other people.


Aarav Gadhoke Meet Aarav, a dynamic sophomore at Livingston High School, who can seamlessly juggle academic pursuits with a diverse range of interests. A passionate gamer and avid rock music enthusiast, he stays abreast of the latest trends while delving into classic albums. Beyond leisure, Aarav is deeply committed to community service, dedicating his time to the community events like Livingston youth leader , other local initiatives and aiding special needs children during a summer volunteer program aimed at making a positive impact. His passion for healthcare is evident through shadowing professionals, gaining valuable hands-on experience and leading the HOSA (future healthcare professionals) school club as treasurer, helping to earn the team statewide recognition for his organizational prowess. A recent venture into the LHS Aviation and Aerospace club showcases his multifaceted interests. A natural entertainer, Aarav impresses peers with his musical knowledge and clever wit. Balancing fun, service, and leadership, Aarav stands out as an exemplary student and community member.

 

History of fundraisers

  1. Bake Sale (2021)

raised around $4,000+ for a nonprofit entity

All proceeds were donated to help fund India Covid Relief

  1. Food & Art Fair (2022)

donated $4,000+ to nonprofit entity

proceeds donated for free HPV vaccinations in underdeveloped countries, as well as supporting the Ukraine war relief

  1. Spring Bazaar (2023)

raised money for free breast cancer screening through Let’s Save Ma

Contributed to Turkey earthquake relief funds

raised $4,000+

  1. Books and school supplies Drive (2022)

Collected second hand and new children’s books and supplies for kids in need

  1. Thanksgiving Food Drive (2023)

Collected and purchased many food items to donate to soup kitchens fo a special Thanksgiving feast