Bhimkund, a tourist place, is located in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, which has been included under the child development programme area of CYSD. Golapa Kalapadia, a sponsored child lives in Bhimakuda village with her father Khatu Kalapadia, a daily wage earner, two elder sisters and one younger brother. The children lost their mother few years back. Father, Khatu single handedly used to manage the family with much difficulties and high responsibilities. But, the family situation became worsen when her father was unable to work anymore due to serious health issue. Even they do not possess any farm land for cultivation. The situation compelled her two elder sisters to manage the family by doing daily lobour as well as making plates out of Sal leaf.

In the month of March, the government declared lockdown to fight outbreak of COVID-19. Following which the normal movements and activities got stopped. Golapa’s family income source also affected severely. After a few days, the family being a ration cardholder, the Government supported them with some rice and money.  But, they could not go out to buy other consumables items due to closure of market place.

Meanwhile, the news on distribution of relief material to the sponsored children’s family jointly by CYSD and Plan India spread across the area. Getting the information, Golapa’s father rushed to the relief distribution camp in the locality and received the survival kit along with hygiene kit. On reaching home, when her father opened the packets, they saw a list of dry food and consumable items containing rice-5 kg, dal-2 kg, flattened rice-2 kg, sugar-1 & slat-I kg in one packet;  and a list of  sanitizers like, washing powder-400 grams, 3 pieces of soap, a mask and one packet of sanitary pad in another bag. Taking a long respite, Golap’s father thanked CYSD & Plan India for the help during acute crisis. “Do you know Papa, all these essential commodities are sent to us by my Sponsor Parents through CYSD-Plan. Today, I feel so happy. Truly, the survival kit is no less than  ‘Sanjeevani’ which will give us new life during this lockdown situation. We can survive with the food material for a month or so”, said Golapa with her emotional tearful eyes. “Yes, a friend in need is a friend indeed”, Khatu added.