Last year, volunteers gave 3,704 hours of their time to help out at Islamic Relief USA’s headquarters in Alexandria, VA.
“Volunteers are the heart of Islamic Relief USA,” said Volunteer Coordinator Nazia Hossain. “It’s the volunteers that save us time and money, which then go to serve those who need it most.”
A vibrant and enthusiastic group of volunteers is critical to Islamic Relief, helping the organization keep overhead costs low and maximize dollars going to those in need. The 2011 volunteer hours were worth more than $74,000.
Hinjat Shamil gave more than 100 of those hours in 2011. She moved to the United States from Ethiopia on August 10, 2011. Five days later, she started volunteering for Islamic Relief USA.
“One of the reasons that drew my interest to volunteer with Islamic Relief was my interest in developing a career that will not only earn me a living but one that will build my ethical and moral values,” Shamil said on her first day volunteering at the office. “So far, Islamic Relief has assured me of the possibility of my dream work environment.”
Shamil received a Gold Award signed by President Barack Obama for her service in the orphan department on Feb. 22. Singer Maher Zain, who was a guest in the office that day, handed her the pin she had earned. Shamil also was hired this month as orphan program coordinator.
To find out about volunteer opportunities visit us at https://irusa.org/volunteer/, or contact Nazia Hossain, nhossain@irusa.org, at the Volunteer Management Office.
