Rupel Yanke Family

“We are receiving more than we are giving,” Rupel Dedhia stresses. “My daughters are getting a perspective of the community we live in and how we are helping those in need.

Rupel and Adam Yanke, introduced their two daughters Maya (age 9) and Lakshmi (age 5) to Honeycomb about four years ago after searching online for family volunteering.

“Service was an important part of my youth and also my husband’s youth,” continues Rupel, “and we wanted to expose our children to these opportunities when they were born.” Maya’s first Honeycomb event was a drumming circle for seniors at Lincoln Perry Apartments. The family has also helped at Share our Spare, sorting donations to ensure new moms have everyday essentials for their children, and working at the food pantry in Ravenswood, distributing fresh produce.

Now a fourth grader at Latin School of Chicago, Maya’s favorites include creating blankets at Sew Crafty Studio and delivering groceries to neighbors in need through a Nourishing Hope food pantry.

Maya’s younger sister, Lakshmi, has volunteered at three Honeycomb events. “Nourishing Hope was a turning point for both girls,” says Rupel, “especially for Lakshmi as she started to understand the context of why we are helping.”

The Yanke Family recently became Honeycomb Pollinators, funding a year programming and they hope to expose more families within their social circle to Honeycomb. Even with the family’s busy schedule, another goal is to maintain consistent volunteering together.f

“Honeycomb offers a variety of opportunities for children to get involved at a young age,” says Rupel. “Adam and I have seen such an impact on our children and we want to contribute to keep programs going. Our family is eternally grateful to The Honeycomb Project and we will do what we can help…it’s just phenomenal.”

Outside of Honeycomb Project, the Yanke Family keeps busy. Rupel is a physician at Rush University Medical Center and Adam is a physician Midwest Orthopedics at Rush. Maya enjoys playing basketball and horseback riding, and Lakshmi loves all things dancing and acting. The Yanke Family lives in Lakeview and spend time exploring nature together, biking and hiking.