BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) – The Islamic Society of Birmingham is partnering with Islamic Relief USA to reduce hunger in the community during the holiday season. On Saturday, hundreds of volunteers worked to prepare nearly 42,000 meals for those in need.
Organizers of Saturday’s event say demand is rising and so is the response from the community.
“The community is doing some good things, especially now that we’re seeing SNAP benefits being cut off,” said Mouhammad Al Kanawati, assistant director of development for Islamic Relief USA’s Community Fund. “There are people who are getting food stamps, and we have a responsibility because we have the resources to share with the community.”
For many volunteers, Saturday’s event held special meaning – honoring active volunteer Jenna Kashou, who was killed in a car crash last week.
“Jenna loved visiting friends and family, it was her passion. They knew that if Jenna were still alive, she would be here because she was a very active volunteer member of this community,” said Maher Qashou, Jenna’s father.
While volunteers honor her legacy through service, some also see the day as an opportunity to showcase what their community stands for. It comes after Hoover’s zoning board rejected a planned expansion of the Islamic College of Alabama earlier this week and comments from local politicians that stoked the dissatisfaction of some residents.
“We’re trying our best to portray our religion in a good light and we just hope that while we’re trying to do that, the community itself can take the time to really look within themselves and understand our religion and understand who we really are and not what, unfortunately, extremist groups are trying to make us believe,” said volunteer Yusuf Nabi.
Organizers say the meals are ready for distribution in the Birmingham community, with specific dates still being determined.
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