SAYVA: The party project

Hi! My name is Alisha Durbhakula.

The Party Project has become one of the most meaningful parts of SAYVA. It began back in my sophomore year with a simple thought: not every child living in a shelter gets to experience the joy of a birthday. Partnering with the National Center for Children and Families, we wanted to change that by throwing parties that gave every child a chance to feel celebrated.

From the very beginning, these parties have been filled with such special moments. Balloons, cupcakes, and games may seem simple, but to the kids, they mean so much more. The excitement of blowing out candles, unwrapping a gift, or just being the center of attention for a day is something many of them have never experienced before. And for us, seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter is a reminder of how much we take for granted.

Over time, the Party Project has grown into more than just birthdays. During Halloween, we donated costumes and hosted a festive celebration filled with candy and games. During the holiday season, we organized a toy drive, wrapping presents and gifting them to the shelter so each child had something special to open. The gratitude and hugs we received were reminders that even the smallest gestures can mean so much.

We also had the chance to host a Diwali celebration, which was one of my favorite memories. We introduced the children to South Asian traditions, shared our Indian clothes, and taught them a bit of Bollywood dance. They even created their own rangoli paintings! For many of the kids, it was their first time experiencing this culture, and it was amazing to see their excitement as they learned something new.

What makes the Party Project so special isn’t just the balloons or the decorations—it’s the joy that fills the room when kids feel cared for and celebrated. These parties remind us that happiness doesn’t have to come from something grand; it can be found in a basket in a game of basketball, in a dance step learned for the first time, or in the laughter shared over a cupcake.

At its heart, the Party Project is about giving children moments of pure joy, no matter their circumstances.