Yogita Manghnani, Seattle Volunteer: Child marriage takes away a girl’s right to a happy childhood. It forces her to give up her education & family to take on the role of a wife at a very young age. The girl child may not be ready to handle pregnancies, leading to complications for both the mom and baby. She deserves to enjoy her childhood, play and go to school just like a male child; contribute to the family and society at her own terms; choose to marry when she is physically and emotionally ready to build her own family.

I got the inspiration to join CRY from my Dad. His deeds inspired me to give back to the society which led me to volunteer with CRY America, that has made a great impact by providing the basic needs to underprivileged children. I am privileged to be associated with CRY and to help raise funds for its noble cause gives me a great sense of achievement. It is the smiles on the faces of these children that keeps me going and inspires me to continue serving them through CRY.

“Every child is precious and should have a dignified and happy childhood. CRY America has promoted equal inclusion of every child by encouraging communities to provide opportunities to girls & boys and by preventing violations faced by children. CRY America has also provided a path to individuals – volunteers and donors – that we can traverse together to create a world that has equal opportunities for all the children.”

“Seeing children in rags begging on the streets in India is heartbreaking – yet giving them a few coins does not feel like a solution. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the scale of the problem but there are ways to help. I have been volunteering for CRY America in Boston for 10 years. CRY’s unique rights based approach goes beyond charity and strengthens social structures that enable children to develop to their full potential.”