PEORIA (25News Now) – The need for donations at food pantries and care centers is high, and in celebration of Diwali, a local group brought in cars full to help.

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights that symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh is a non-profit, social, educational, and cultural organization of the Hindus living outside India.

The Peoria chapter of HSS started this food drive 13 years ago and have been consistent donors to the Center for Prevention of Abuse and the Neighborhood House.

An organizer we spoke with says this celebration is about sharing.

“The organizations believe that service to humanity is service to divinity, because in Hinduism we believe that each individual has divinity in his or herself. So during Diwali there is many celebrations, and one is sharing food,” said Mugdha Pattekar.

Diwali is celebrated for five days every year.

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