((PKG)) RAMADAN FOOD PACKAGES
((Banner: Ramadan))
((Reporter: Deborah Block))
((Camera: Mike Burke))
((Adapted by: Martin Secrest))
((ANIMATION W/ GFX, CAPTIONS, PHOTOS))
((Banner: Many of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims are observing Ramadan. One of the Five Pillars of Islam, the holy month is devoted to increased prayer, the breaking of the daytime fast with iftar, an often communal meal and performing acts of charity ))
((Map: Falls Church, Virginia))
((Locator: Dar al-Hijrah Islamic Center, Falls Church, Virginia))
((Banner: Islamic Relief USA assembles food packages during Ramadan. The boxes are for refugees from Iraq and Syria, or anyone in need regardless of faith))
((TAHANI JABARIN, Dar al-Hijirah Islamic Center))
We’re distributing the Islamic Relief boxes, which have the rice, oil, sugar - all the items that any mother would like to have in her kitchen to start a meal. And specifically, during this time of the year, which is Ramadan, the month of fasting, people do appreciate that this extra box is coming to them through Islamic Relief. And, as one of the people who actually came and received, she said, “Yes, I look forward every year to come and get one of those boxes.” So, having this extra box coming during this month, would definitely help many of our families.
((SAID DURRAH, Islamic Relief USA))
We have two shifts, so it’s not too much on the volunteers. We had about 500 boxes we did in the first shift. That was from about 10:00 to 1:00 o’clock, and so this shift will go probably close to 5:00 or 6:00 o’clock. They will be another 50 volunteers that will do another 500 boxes.
((ALI HUSSAIN, Volunteer))
To me, honestly, it’s just a matter of serving those really in need all around the world, and especially here in the United States. I come over here, and I know that I’m making a dent, and making some sort of a difference in helping people. Being able to volunteer, and be around other volunteers, this type of energy, and really all for the sake of just doing good work, really just motivates me to keep going and moving forward.
((SAID DURRAH, Islamic Relief USA))
There’s a misconception out there that a lot of people that are receiving the box did something wrong in their life, or they deserve what they (get). No, this is not right. These are just humans just like us, and everybody, really, is one paycheck or one medical emergency from being on the other side of this distribution. We always tell this to our volunteers: “Be happy you’re closing the box, and say ‘Alhamdulillah,’ and thank God every day, because there are people who are opening this box who never thought that they would have to, but they hit a tough time in their life. So, for me, it’s great to see the look in their eyes and their faces, because boxes like these don’t just give them food we think they’ll need. It’s food that they actually will use to create their meals, to feel like a full family. That’s why we all do this, that’s why our whole office does it, because of that feeling.