Helping By Hearts — A Community Initiative That Turns Compassion Into Action
Helping By Hearts — A Community Initiative That Turns Compassion Into Action
By Vidhi Lalla,
What began as a quiet moment of contemplation has now transformed into a growing movement of kindness.
Two years ago, the founders found themselves asking simple but profound questions, Will people participate? Will anyone donate? Will this survive? Will it truly make a difference?
With faith, courage, and hope, they chose a meaningful date to begin: October 2nd, 2023. Launching on Gandhi Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti brought the initiative under the guiding spirit of simplicity, service, and compassion embodied by both leaders.
The early push came from family and close friends. A family-like friend, Mr. Deepak Ahuja, Co-Founder of Sagitec Solutions Pvt. Ltd., along with a few dear members of the volleyball group, offered unwavering encouragement. Their words still resonate:
“Itni acchi cheez ke liye humara saath hamesha rahega. Aap aage badho, hum hamesha tumhare saath hain.”
Hearing such heartfelt support filled the founder, Mr. Mike Merchant, with confidence and renewed purpose. He realised then that this was no longer just his idea, it was a shared dream powered by people who believed deeply in compassion and community. Their support became the foundation on which Helping By Hearts was built.
The first step was modest but meaningful. The food drive began inside Bramha Suncity, Vadgaonsheri, serving the underprivileged and the support staff. The response was overwhelming. From experimenting with different menus to settling on staple favourites loved by all, the initiative quickly found its rhythm. People stopped by to bless the volunteers, appreciate the food, and often request extra portions to take home, clear signs of how warmly the community embraced it.
A guiding motto soon emerged:
“From Heart to Plate because Every Bite Makes a Difference.”
It perfectly reflects Mr. Merchant’s dream: to serve those who work tirelessly yet struggle to make ends meet.
Starting with around 450+ people, including support staff, delivery agents and auto drivers, the initiative soon sensed a greater need outside the society. Supported wholeheartedly by friends and residents, the drive shifted to Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, opposite Bramha Suncity.
Today, Helping By Hearts feeds 800–1000 people every month, making it one of the most impactful community-led food drives in the area. One of its most touching qualities is its inclusiveness, ‘anyone who comes is served, without judgment or hesitation’. This spirit of equality has become the heart of the initiative.
What began as an idea on a weekday evening is now a sustained, volunteer-driven mission that unites the community. While differences may divide us, this initiative shows that kindness has the power to bring people together plate by plate, heart by heart.
Looking ahead, Mr. Mike Merchant hopes to expand the initiative further in the coming year, continuing to spread the joy of giving and reaching as many people as possible.
The incredible support from the residents of Bramha Suncity has been instrumental in bringing this dream to life and keeping it alive.
