Youth Volunteer Leads Hazardous Medication Disposal Effort

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Saasthra Bojja. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Saasthra Bojja has lived in Delaware her entire life, attending school in Wilmington and fostering a strong connection to the city. Her love for the environment, coupled with an interest in policy, economics and government, drives her passion for service and leadership.

One of Saasthra’s most impactful experiences has been volunteering with Charity Crossing, a nonprofit that collects donations from large companies like Walmart and Amazon—items that would otherwise go to landfills due to returns or minor issues—and repurposes them for those in need. This initiative reduces environmental waste and supports underserved communities in Delaware and the surrounding tri-state area.

Saasthra’s story exemplifies the significant impact young people can make in creating positive change, fostering a healthier, safer world.

What inspires you to volunteer?

In elementary school, I never considered the differences between my classmates and me. We were all just kids, sharing lunches and playground games. I had no idea that some of them lived at or below the poverty line.

One day in third or fourth grade, my mom and I volunteered at a local food bank, packing food bags for children. The following day at school, I noticed some classmates receiving those same bags. It was a moment that shocked me—I had never realized that the people I saw every day were struggling in ways I couldn’t see.

That experience stayed with me. It taught me that you never really know what someone is going through and how small acts of service can make a real difference. Later in high school, I joined Charity Crossing, where I continued volunteering and distributing resources to those in need. It reinforced what I learned years before: helping others can have an immediate, personal impact, often closer to home than you think.

What inspired you to start volunteering with Charity Crossing?

When I first got involved with Charity Crossing a year and a half ago, I was rowing with the Wilmington Youth Rowing Association. During runs for conditioning, I often saw people in my community struggling without enough resources or support. Witnessing this made me realize how much need existed right around me.

I later learned that Charity Crossing held regular serves on Front Street—the same street where my boathouse was. It felt full circle. I spent six days a week there rowing, and now, on Sundays, I was volunteering on that same street.

What is your role with Charity Crossing?

One of my key efforts focuses on the safe disposal of expired and hazardous medications. I am the creator and lead of the Expired Medication Disposal effort. This initiative started unexpectedly. While volunteering at a donation sorting event, I came across items that concerned me—specifically, what appeared to be steroids or weightlifting supplements, potentially hazardous substances. Though we never distributed anything unsafe, the standard procedure at the time was simply to throw questionable items into a regular trash can.

That didn’t sit right with me. I wondered how even basic medical waste at a doctor’s office is disposed of securely. It made no sense that something potentially dangerous could end up in a landfill, which might leak into the environment or harm wildlife.

I began researching proper disposal procedures and contacted several pharmacies across Delaware to learn more. Through those conversations, I realized the importance of partnering with registered disposal centers equipped to handle hazardous materials safely.

As part of our sorting process, we carefully separate any expired medications or hazardous donations and deliver them to certified pharmacies authorized to dispose of them properly. This extra step ensures we’re protecting the people receiving donations and safeguarding the environment from potential harm.

Where do you see yourself in the future as Charity Crossing continues to grow?

One of my main goals moving forward is to expand our medication disposal effort. Just as Charity Crossing operates across three states, many similar organizations could benefit from adopting safer disposal practices. Protecting the environment isn’t something one person or group can handle alone—it requires a collective effort. I hope to share what we’ve developed with others to create broader, lasting change.

What have you learned from your experience as a volunteer?

Volunteering with Charity Crossing has taught me that life is unpredictable and everything we have can change instantly. Many of the people we serve may have once been in better financial or life situations, and seeing their struggles has made me profoundly grateful for what I have. It’s also taught me not to judge others, as we can never truly know what circumstances led them to their current position. Life’s challenges aren’t always within one’s control, and I’ve learned the importance of empathy, respect and understanding.

Why is it important to get involved with causes they care about?

I believe in the saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” It’s easy to wish for change, but the real difference happens when someone takes the first step. Waiting for others to act can lead to a cycle where no one does anything. By taking action, you become a catalyst, inspiring others who share the same passion to follow suit. The power of being a change-maker is that your efforts can spark a movement, encouraging others to step up and make a difference, too.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

My most significant advice is to focus on things you’re genuinely interested in and make sure they’re manageable for you. It’s easy to burn out by committing too much, so find something you’re passionate about that you can realistically keep doing over the long term. Whether volunteering once a week or every other week, choose something that excites you enough to stay dedicated to it for life.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Saasthra? Find local volunteer opportunities.