Local Muslims plan to empower children by giving away free school bags and supplies in Anaheim

Aug. 17, 2011 - PRLog -- On Sunday, August 21st, local Muslims will be distributing 500 school bags filled with school supplies to the Anaheim community. For Muslims, an essential part of the faith is the principle of giving and being a good neighbor, and it is especially encouraged during the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims observe fasting from sunrise to sunset. This initiative is part of ICNA Relief’s national Back-2-School Giveaway Project, which is hosting over 45 similar events across the U.S in over 15 states.  These efforts are helping over 15,000 children nationwide, where children will be receiving school bags filled with supplies such as notebooks, pens, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, rulers, crayons and scissors.

Earlier this year ICNA Relief held a fundraiser that was protested against in the city of Yorba Linda by Right wing groups such as the Tea Party and "Act for America".  ICNA Relief hopes this initiative caters to the needs of low-income families in the community, regardless of their race, gender or religion. Many families are under financial pressure; some have lost jobs and find it difficult to buy school supplies for their children. Islam teaches us that “a person is not a true Muslim who fills his stomach while his neighbor is hungry”, so these efforts an essential part of being a good Muslim, and the month of Ramadan is a month when Muslims are encouraged to give more charity. Through the Back to School Giveaway, we hope to both help struggling families provide for their children and inspire the American Muslim community to partake in this commendable act.

What?
Back-2-School Giveaway
When?
Sunday, August 21st, 2011
11:00am - 1:00pm
Where?
Islamic Institute of Orange County (IIOC)
1220 N State College Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92806

To view all of our giveaway locations please visit: http://www.back2schoolgiveaway.com

For more information, contact:

Waqas Syed
Deputy Secretary General
Office: (714) 333-ICNA (4262)
Cell: (949) 521-0597
Email: PR@icna.us

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ICNA Relief is the social services branch of the Islamic Circle of North America, a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the promotion of Islamic values. ICNA Relief’s projects include women’s housing, hunger prevention, family counseling, medical aid, emergency financial support and funeral and burial assistance. For more information on ICNA Relief please visit http://icnarelief.org