myCrescent | muslim community's portal

(DALLAS, TX) The hot and humid weather did not affect the enthusiasm and energy of several volunteers at the third annual Humanitarian Day event on May 17, 2008. Most of the organizers were too busy in setting up and helping out that it was difficult to get their comments about the program for The Lone Star Crescent. Some were too humble and said “we are just here to help.”

The Humanitarian Day program had its beginnings three years ago and is now becoming a major opportunity for the community to donate and help the needy. “We purchase new and collect gently used clothes, hygiene products and non-perishable items and give it to whoever needs it,” said Mustafaa Carroll, who is one of the organizers of the program. Carroll also serves as the executive director of local chapter of Council On American Islamic Relations. Donation distribution ran for about four hours on at the Martin Luther King community center in Dallas. “We have been addressing those groups… those neighborhoods who have been under poverty, and this happens to be one of those neighborhoods,” he told The Lone Star Crescent. Other Muslim organizations who participated include Irving-based Baitul Maal, Plano-based Islamic Relief and local chapter of Islamic Circle Of North America (ICNA). An estimated 100+ Muslim volunteers served hundreds of people who had lined up in advance for assistance.

Alhamdulillah this is a great opportunity for us to help those in needs,” said Baitul Maal’s director Hasan Hajmohammed. “We have to spread our passion with everyone, especially with people in the community around us,” he added. Islamic Relief’s Khalid Bakali told The Lone Star Crescent that his organization has been involved in supporting the Humanitarian Day since the beginning of the program.



Around 11:00 am, people were allowed in to walk by 150 feet (estimate) long tents. They had the opportunity to pick items from clothing, few household supplies, toys for children and diapers. An army of dedicated volunteers made sure that several hundreds who came for assistance are served in an organized manner and everyone gets equal opportunity.

The proud effort of the community underscores that in a country such as the United States, millions of people still live in poverty. Census Bureau and other agencies have a tendency to measure poverty along their preset numbers and statistics. However, it is much higher when a reality check is done. WATCH THE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS HERE.

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