Muslims Spread the Spirit of Giving
By Ras H. Siddiqui
On Saturday June 30th the Sacramento Chapter of the American Muslim Voice (AMV) Foundation carried out its work, this time by spreading the joy of a late Eid spirit, with possibly some early 4th of July patriotism thrown in as it served 500 meals and more to people in need at the Loaves and Fishes on North C Street.
This location is well known for the services that it provides (mainly meals and shelter) to the sizeable homeless and needy population of California’s Capital City. The invitation on the social media said: “Assalaamo Alaikum Brothers and Sisters, AMV is hosting their first ever Eid-ul-Fitr Dinner for the homeless at Loaves and Fishes, Sacramento on Saturday, June 30th, 2018. Eid gift bags will also be distributed.” It went on to add: “The Eid gift bags will include supplies of shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb, razor, chap stick, scarf, hat, gloves, small first aid kit, thermal socks, gift cards, lightweight snacks, mints/gum, bottle of water, hand lotion, local resources guide, words of encouragement.”
When this writer reached the venue the early lunch crowd had just started to trickle in. The table outside was being set up and colorful bags full of toiletries and other basic necessities were being made available. And the scene inside the facility was heartwarming. Baked chicken, string beans, potatoes, salad, fruit, and donuts awaited the increasing number of guests. The servers were Muslims; mostly South-Asian, while the people being served the food were predominantly White and African-Americans. Let us not forget that this can happen to anyone and on any given day the situation can be reversed!
The volunteer force serving the food was mainly young American-born Muslims with the older immigrant-citizens also pitching in. It was remarkable to see the amount of food that had been prepared and the “Thank You” being repeated by those who received a hearty meal and a bag of necessities (as they exited) at no cost to them. Muslims ARE contributing positively to America everyday, folks!
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