By Melissa Koenig
 
The Islamic Circle of North America Relief and Muslim Youth of Long Island teamed up with Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages to host a coat drive on Nov. 18 at the Five Towns Community Center.

According to Solages, more than 200 people attended to receive comforters, coats, gloves, hats, backpacks and warm pre-packaged food. “I did not expect that many people to come out,” he said. “It was just amazing.”
Shahid Farooqi, the ICNA Relief director of expansion, organized the event to coincide with Thanksgiving. “Now’s the best time to share whatever you have,” he said.
To set up the drive, Farooqi set up donation boxes at various mosques. He said that it is an Islamic ideal to share with your neighbor. “The Messenger of God, Muhammed (peace and blessings be upon him), says: He is not a believer who eats his fill while his neighbor beside him goes hungry,” Farooqi explained in an email to the Herald.
ICNA Relief USA is a non-profit organization that seeks to help build communities. Its services include 15 shelters for women, 26 food pantries, seven counseling centers, six free medical clinics and four refugee empowerment centers. For more information, visit icnarelief.org.
Article Courtesy: Li Herald

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