(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 12/13/17) – Today, CAIR-Columbus’ Feeding Families Project volunteers distributed holiday gift cards to the residents and staff at the YWCA Family Shelter. The Feeding Families Project volunteers have been providing meals at the shelter on the second Friday of each month since the shelter opened in 2005.
For the past few years, CAIR-Columbus volunteers have also sought donations for gift cards around the holidays in an effort to bring some extra cheer to the families at the shelter.
“This year, especially with all the negativity in the media, we really wanted to make an effort to show the positive side of the Muslim community, the importance of charity in our religion, and to emphasize that we care about everyone in need regardless of religion or background,” said CAIR-Columbus Executive Director Jennifer Nimer. “We truly hope this small act of kindness will not only help these families through the holidays, but also let them know that their Muslim neighbors and friends care about them. We also included the staff because we see how hard they work and how much they truly care about the residents at the shelter.”
CAIR-Columbus initially started the Feeding Families Project in 2003 in conjunction with the Interfaith Hospitality Network and as part of the nationwide “Muslims-CAIR” initiative to encourage Muslims to get more involved in community service projects in their local communities.
Monthly food service was provided at various locations throughout the city until the YWCA Family Center opened in 2005. Volunteers were so dedicated to the project that it has continued through the years.
“When we started feeding needy families in various parking lots in downtown Columbus in 2003, we never imagined we would continue the project for 14 years and counting,” Nimer said.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.