Islamic Relief USA and Portland, OR Muslims to Serve Neighbors in Need on ‘Day of Dignity’

Portland Muslims will distribute food and supplies to the local homeless on Sunday, Sept. 11^th, during the annual Day of Dignity campaign sponsored by Islamic Relief USA.  The partners of this year’s event are: Islamic Social Services of Oregon State – the primary coordinator; Oregon Islamic Chaplain Organization; Jewish Family and Child Services; Latter Day Saints; Blanchet House; Japanese American Citizen League; Oregon Food Bank; Sesame Donuts and local barbers.

Islamic Relief USA has partnered with local organizations across the United States for over a decade to host the annual Day of Dignity event. Day of Dignity creates an opportunity for caring individuals from diverse communities to provide services to their neighbors in need. Food, clothing, 1st aid kits, and hygiene kits are just some of the items distributed during Day of Dignity events. And, often, free medical care, screenings and even barber services are provided. It’s a day to come together and work together for a better world. The food and services are available to anyone in need, regardless of faith.

“This year’s day of Dignity falls on the anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11. Organizations are showcasing true American spirit in working together for a better America. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what religion you believe in. We are united for the greater cause of humanity.” said Laila Hajoo, President of Islamic Social Services of Oregon State.

Event Details:

Location: North Park Block B (Park of the Elephant); Portland, OR

between NW Burnside and NW Couch and between NW Park Ave. and NW 8th Ave.

Time: 12:00pm-4:00pm

Services in Portland: Supply distribution (thermal socks; ponchos; hoodies; knitted caps; mittens; scarves; 1^st aid kits; school kits; hygiene kits); hamburgers/beef hot dogs; health screenings, resource information and haircuts. Local youth from 12-18 years of age are earning community credits by facilitating the distribution of the food and supplies. This is an excellent way to gain awareness and respect for the human condition.

“Islam teaches that we should not eat while our neighbor go hungry,” according to Islamic  Relief USA. “Our annual Day of Dignity brings communities together to care for our neighbors. We are issuing a call to organizations around the country to find new, long-lasting ways to give back to our communities.”

Local sponsor ISOS (Islamic Social Services of Oregon State) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) social service charitable organization since 2003. ISOS uses Islamic values when rendering services to people in need of assistance through trying times, by collaborating with a network of non-profit organizations and community service groups. By pooling resources together provides better assistance to those in need while building bridges between agencies of diverse backgrounds.

Media Contact: Mayssoun Olabi molabi@irusa.org or 703-370-7202

XXXIslamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and disease regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief USA aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish sustainable local development projects, allowing communities to better help themselves. Its programs benefit millions of people each year around the world, including in the United States.

Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of theInternational Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.