By Raven Ramesy
Theme Editor
Draws for a Cause was created by Desai to provide underwear for children ages four through 12 in need. On the website (draws4acause.com), customers can choose from four different underwear styles that are made from 100% cotton. For every pair of underwear purchased, Desai will match the order by mailing underwear to children in need in Honduras, El Salvador or Guatemala.
“When it comes to donating clothes or donating underwear, people will choose to donate clothes,” Desai said. “However, underwear comes with many benefits that should not be overlooked, including confidence, dignity, comfort and a lower chance of infection.”
Desai first started Draws for a Cause in the summer of 2019 after going on an academic field study with the League of Creative Minds to the Family Care Centers on the Texas-Mexico border. While on this trip, she interacted with many children and helped families in need. She soon realized that they needed simple things, especially under garments.
“Underwear is a basic necessity but is one that is overlooked and often taken for granted,” Desai said. “When I returned home, I knew that I had to do something to help, so I created Draws for a Cause.”
Once Desai had her concept, she began making payments to manufacturers and graphic designers to produce and design the underwear. She also opened a bank account and made a Kickstarter, a way for businesses to fundraise, to help her cause. So far she has raised over $12,000, which surpassed her goal for the Kickstarter campaign to get initial funding for the start of her business.
“I am so lucky to have such a great community, as well as friends and family, that have been so supportive of Draws for a Cause,” Desai said. “My parents and other family members always help me whenever I might have any questions about starting my cause.”
Despite having support from the people around her, Desai struggles to juggle everything in her life. According to Desai, having no experience in this field of work can be extremely difficult for her, especially being a teen.
“It’s hard managing my cause while also juggling my other activities in school,” Desai said. “These things are all new to me, challenge me, but they also help me learn as I go.”
According to Desai, she still enjoys doing her work despite the hardships of running her own business. Desai claims that this experience has taught her so much. Desai has an upcoming trip to Guatemala, where she will personally be able to deliver materials to the children.
“I am so happy and proud for Draws for a Cause because I know it will be making a difference and helping children in need,” Desai said.
In the future, Desai hopes to travel with her business all over Central America and help many more children. She knows that no matter what career she pursues, she will always be trying to help those in need.
“I know I will always volunteer around the world throughout my life and help other people,” Desai said. “I hope to help people by doing pro-bono work as a lawyer and maybe even becoming a human rights lawyer when I am older.”
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