On November 7, 2012, ETW held a clothing distribution program for elderly and needy villagers in the Kalahandi district of Orissa, one of the poorest in the country.  Abinash Mund and Chinmaya Behera, the local organizers, say that work on the project has progressed at a faster pace than they ever could have imagined when they began two years ago.

ETW volunteers, with the help of gram-panchayats, survey Kalahandi’s local villages to find potential recipients for the program.  At this latest distribution, approximately 200 villagers were presented with new clothing, along with a meal that was donated and prepared by members of the same village.

Approximately 5000 saris, dhotis, and blankets were distributed between October and December of 2011.  So far this season, over 3200 saris and dhotis have been donated, and more are expected.

ETW is also celebrating the acquisition of a new ambulance in Kalahandi with which it plans to conduct local health camps.  To date, over 1000 health cards have been prepared for the ongoing care of elderly and needy residents of 20 panchayats.