(Washington, D.C., 9/22/2012) With growing religious tension around the world, American Muslims look to build bridges to their local neighborhoods by serving low-income and homeless community members with free hot meals, medical checkups, flu shots, haircuts and additional supplies at Day of Dignity events sponsored by Islamic Relief USA. All items and services provided are free.
Day of Dignity is an annual nationwide campaign—now in its ninth year—that is coordinated and sponsored by Virginia-based Islamic Relief USA. With 50 million Americans living in poverty, including 17 million children, Day of Dignity events create an opportunity for caring individuals from diverse communities to provide services to their neighbors in need. Cities holding events throughout the fall are Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore, Seattle, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Brooklyn, Bronx, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Portland, and Flint.
Last year’s campaign benefited more than 17,500 people across the nation by providing food, clothing, school supplies, blankets, hygiene kits, medical care and screenings, HIV/AIDS testing through a collaboration with the US Department of Health and Human Services, job training and GED information, haircuts, and toys for children.
To learn more about Day of Dignity, visit IRUSA.org/DayofDignity.
Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization with eight consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator. 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. In 2011, Islamic Relief USA programs benefited more than 5 million people in 34 countries, including the United States.
In addition to its 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, 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 the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Hebah Reed
Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
(703) 370-7202
hreed@irusa.org