Muslims Help to Feed the Community in Sacramento on Christmas Eve
By Ras H. Siddiqui
The American Muslim Voice (AMV) Foundation once again took the lead in preparing and serving meals at the Loaves and Fishes Dining Room in Sacramento, California on Christmas Eve (12/24/2024) with the help of both young and old community volunteers. This effort has been going on for a long time (while taking a break during the COVID pandemic) and it is focused on helping to feed the homeless or those just temporarily down on their luck during what is supposed to be a time of holiday celebration in our country. According to a recent study by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, homelessness has increased by 18% between 2023 and 2024.
With this growing need, which the AMV Foundation had recognized early, it wanted to spread some cheer (which was visible in those enjoying this meal) during the holiday season amongst our neighbors. One has to commend this organization including its national leaders Samina Sundas, Khalid Saeed, and local Asif Sattar and Javaid Iqbal for putting their thoughts into positive action here.
The AMV Foundation ( https://www.amuslimvoice.org/ ) was incubated in the Bay Area in the year 2003 and has since spread outwards. According to its website, “Our mission is to foster friendships among all Americans by bridging cultural and religious gaps. We also work towards protecting and preserving civil liberties and constitutional rights for ALL.” Some of its values are described as: “The AMV Foundation is committed to connecting people from all walks of life. Through education and social interaction, we will erase our fears and will joyously accept each other so we can celebrate our diversity. We are taking the interfaith dialogue to the next level by fostering lifelong friendships among all Americans. We work with all Muslim, multi-faith, and community organizations/groups and individuals who share our dedication and commitment to build an inclusive and beloved community. The AMV Foundation celebrates diversity and values all human beings regardless of race, religion, social status, or creed. We strive to create a culture of peace, acceptance, mutual respect and harmony.”
There is a political aspect to AMV but its added emphasis on societal harmony and community service surely widens its base of support. It holds at least two peace picnics annually, one in Palo Alto in the Bay Area and one closer to us here in Woodland to which the mayor, firefighters, the local police, and interfaith organizations are also invited. AMV also celebrates Pakistan’s Independence (many of its leaders are immigrants from Pakistan) in August with a flag-raising ceremony in Santa Clara. The wider community is invited and joins in all these events.
The venue for this Christmas Eve event describes itself here: “Loaves & Fishes is a non-profit organization providing service in a spirit of love, radical hospitality and generosity to all those who come for assistance.” Its Mission Statement is: “In an environment of welcome, hospitality, safety, and cleanliness we seek to provide an oasis for homeless men, women, and children seeking survival services.” Thus, it is no surprise that the efforts of Loaves & Fishes and the AMV Foundation converge on Christmas Eve as community service is very much present in the DNA of both.
Baked Chicken, gravy, rice, and vegetables plus fruit and muffins were served during this Christmas Eve meal to hundreds of people here. And who can turn down a warm and hearty holiday meal on a cold winter day? In an interview, AMV President Khalid Saeed commended the contributions of local Muslim youth volunteers who earlier did the heavy lifting of meal preparation here. But also spotted along with them were some of their parents, local engineers from the hi-tech industry along with their spouses, plus California state employees who lent a hand. Our thanks to everyone for spreading some holiday season cheer in the community and for making Sacramento a better place to live for all of us.
(New Year greetings to all our readers)
