PokeDrive is an initiative created by Lambert students that uses Pokemon cards to inspire kids who cannot access Pokemon cards. Created through a desire to make Pokemon cards available for everyone, PokeDrive sought to give kids the joy of Pokemon without the price.
Less valued and more common cards have gone to waste, as collectors often hunt for one card and leave others in storage. PokeDrive hopes to give these unused cards to children who can’t afford Pokemon cards. Bhanja vividly remembers the impact of Pokemon cards on his childhood, and he recalls it as the reason PokeDrive was created. This passion, combined with a need in the community for card availability, started PokeDrive and has motivated kids through events in the community and in school.
PokeDrive, though its cause may be niche, has impacted children throughout local areas and schools.
“Some of our partners include Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Kids Creek Therapy, Yugal Kunj Temple and Gwinnett County schools,” Lambert senior and PokeDrive cofounder Abhi Bhanja explained. “We’ve also worked with clinics and local community centers that distribute our bundles.”
PokeDrive has partnered with many locations to spread their reach, since they see Pokemon cards as not just a simple game but a tool for change within the local community. While PokeDrive is always looking for organizations and ways to spread impact, the initiative sees its own volunteer events as perhaps the most impactful.
“We’ve also hosted volunteer events where students come together to help pack cards and write notes for kids in hospitals,” Bhanja said. “It’s amazing to see how many people are willing to get involved when it’s about spreading a little happiness.”
These volunteer events center not around the Pokemon cards, but about lifting children up, no matter their financial or health situation. Volunteers and leaders of PokeDrive create heartfelt cards, set up meet-and-greets and organize Pokemon cards’ distribution for the kids.
PokeDrive has made a simple card game into an effective tool for community change, both for businesses and children who might need a little extra joy. Since 2024, PokeDrive has delivered over 15000 cards, 1500 bundles and reached thousands of children all over the state of Georgia. With the organization’s continued growth over a year, Bhanja looks forward to expanding over Georgia and eventually across the nation.
“I hope it becomes a lasting initiative that new volunteers and students can keep running for years, continuing to bring joy, hope and imagination to kids everywhere,” Bhanja said.
As PokeDrive continues to run events and partner with organizations to spread passion for Pokemon, they will continue to help underprivileged and suffering children regain some joy as they play a classic children’s game.
