On Sunday September 26th 2010, Islamic Relief Organization in partnership with Oregon Islamic Chaplain Organization and other local sponsors provide for our homeless Free Hot Meals, Hygiene Kits, Medical Check Ups and Hair Cuts etc. More than 10 students from Bilal Islamic school volunteered to help and and the event turned out to be a huge success! Our students received great praise from the organizers as well as from the local community.

Here are the words of appreciation from Laila Hajoo, ISOS rep and co-sponsor of Day of Dignity:

‘First and foremost – Many thanks to Allah for providing us such a blessed day and may Allah bless you volunteers who showed up and provided service to those who are without. You did a great job and it is you that make this event such a success. And special thanks to Bilal Mosque school staff and the awesome students who came and did amazing service. Bilal students you rock!

OICO, our sponsor organization did an amazing job in getting things together given the logistics issues that were faced. The preliminary numbers show about 700 homeless were served yesterday.  And we had at least 45 volunteers – amazing!…’

‘It was wonderful for all of us to band together from all the Mosques to help the homeless.

Most of us had a good opportunity to meet each other and best of all was to see how the kids all jumped in and helped out

Our kids did an excellent job. When I talked to a few of them then have already told ISOS & OICO to sign them up for next years event.

We fed over a 1000 people, consumed 600 hundred cups of coffee and boxes and boxes of dounuts

We handed out the hygiene bags, performed basic medical exams and cut their hair.. and did more!! alhumduliallah

No need to tell you what a great job you did.  Your reward comes from Allah (SWT)

Most of you got your  volunteer certificate from Sister Ayesha and OICO.. If you would like a formal recognition please contact ISOS (Laila, Haroun or Ayoob) or Derek Rashid for a copy of your recognition… the the rest like most of us were just as happy with out the formal recognition. I say best to get our Certificate in Junnah where it will be more useful in defending our deeds..

The highlights for me

We had one convert, I stand corrected as I said we had two.. (the other gentleman in the wheel chair wanted to visit the mosque and so Imam Shabazz gave him the details of some at As-Sabr to help that gentleman..he did not convert.. he said he already believes in Islam)

Sara Ibrahim said it was awesome for her to talk to someone asking her about Islam.. made her feel proud of being a Muslim.

Manny of the homeless came multiple time to thank us for our efforts.’