Muslim volunteers from across the US came together on Saturday, May 29, to prepare hundreds of meals for the needy on the 6th annual National Muslim Soup Kitchen Day.
The Islamic Center of the Capital District in Colonie, NY, was part of the effort to deliver 1,800 free meals in Albany, Schenectady and Troy.
“God’s mercy is with the merciful ones. Muslim Soup Kitchen has been actively serving monthly hot meals in the community for the past several years with the collaboration of various Islamic centers/mosques in the Capital District Region. Let’s continue to share and care,” Imam Yaki from the Islamic Community Center of the Capital District, Schenectady, said, Times Union reported.
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Launched in 2016, this is the Muslim Soup Kitchen Project (MSKP) sixth year.
The effort, which began in Albany, New York, brings Muslim and non-Muslim organizations together to serve those in need.
Volunteers served free meals at several different sites to foster unity and address the universal issue of hunger.
“I’ve been here since 7:30 a.m.,” Wesal Adam, 16, told Spectrum News.
“I was here yesterday and last night too doing some of this. It’s a long process but it’s definitely worth it.”
Young Volunteers
As the majority of volunteers are teenagers, program director Uzma Popal perceives having the youth program as part of teaching and creating unity in times where many are divided.
“One of the most important things is charity and giving to those in need,” said Popal. “How can we sleep at night with full stomachs when somebody else is, you know, “I’m hungry and can’t sleep?’”
Worth-mentioning that for years the MSKP has been feeding thousands of local families and individuals in need. The group holds monthly Soup kitchens and drives at various locations throughout the Capital Region in NY and nationally throughout the US.
What started as a small local effort by students in 2003 in Albany, NY, has now reached thousands of families.