In a step towards providing free meals to the needy, Vizag Smiles, an NGO that donates clothes, books and other essential commodities to the slum dwellers and the down-trodden, ventured into a new line ‘Free Meals on Wheels’.

It was flagged off by the Commissioner of Police T. Yoganand on Thursday. A customised van that has been moving to various slum areas to donate bags of clothes and other need-based stuff to the residents will now head towards a new direction.

Run by the US-based NRI Raghu Pokala, the initiative aims at catering to homeless or needy people located across the city who cannot afford two square meals a day. As part of the inaugural day, the bus headed to Dwarakanagar, Convent junction and near railway station to serve meals to 75 people.

Mentioning that the ‘Meals on wheels’ was an extension of ‘Donation on wheels’, Mr. Raghu confirmed that it will be held twice a week as of now. Depending on the donors, the number of meals will go up. Those who are interested to contribute to the cause either in the form of donation or volunteering can contact: 7306700700 or log on to vizagsmiles.com

Shortly, the NGO plans to roll out ‘Skills on wheels’ programme where computer skills and spoken English classes, among other lessons will be imparted to persons from economically weaker sections.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / Staff Reporter / Visakhapatnam – July 08th, 2016