A Muslim-based charity, Islamic Circle of North American Relief, distributed over 2,000 backpacks with school supplies to needy students in Oklahoma and Texas this weekend.
Both charity events are part of nonprofit’s #OneNationOneCause Back2School Drive. ICNA Relief plans to distribute over 50,000 backpacks this month across 35 states in more than 70 cities.
“This drive, #OneNationOneCause, is an expression of solidarity. We stand together, and are committed to being there for our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable. These are Islamic principles and universal human values in action. We are grateful to all our partners for coming together as one,” said ICNA Relief CEO Maqsood Ahmed,in a press release.
The distribution events took place in Oklahoma City and Dallas. In 2017 alone, ICNA Relief distributed 27,075 backpacks with supplies, in 187 locations in 26 states. Since 2009, ICNA Relief has distributed 150,000 backpacks filled with supplies, nationwide to needy children. Its services include 15 transitional shelters for women and children, car donations, refugee assimilation programs, professional counseling and food pantries.
“When you realize that so many kids are missing school because their parents cannot afford to buy them basic necessities like backpacks, shoes, clothes, school supplies, etc., you feel the urge to create this kind of relief project. These kids are waiting for someone to help them,” said Hala Halabi, Director of Refugees facilitation, ICNA Relief Dallas.
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ICNA Relief is one of America’s largest Muslim charities with over 50 chapters. It runs 15 women’s shelters, 11 refugee empowerment centers, seven free medical clinics, six counseling centers and disaster relief services.
To volunteer, donate supplies, be a sponsor or to partner email [email protected]. Financial contributions can be made at icnareliefdallas.org/back2school.
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