by Molly Edwards
The Islamic Center of Little Rock (ICLR), officially founded in 1992, has an active food bank that has been open since 2010 and has fed hundreds of families. The food bank is open on Sunday’s from 10:30am-12:30pm at 3224 Anna St. Bags normally consist of items such as food (including fresh fruits and vegetables), drinks, shampoo, and conditioner. They are always looking for volunteers, help, and donations.
Imam Dr. Mahmoud Hassanein and members of the ICLR finish preparing bags for their food bank to help those in need.
The global pandemic has created a struggle for a wide range of citizens in our community. Countless people have lost their jobs and medical professionals are working overtime, which means the community needs to pull together and support one another now more than ever. This has led to increased food pantry donations at the ICLR and has inspired the congregation to give back to their community in a different way–by donating meals to UAMS staff. ICLR Chairman, Brother Abdul Rahman Abu Nasra said that in the midst of everything going on, “The ICLR Leadership, Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, and the ICLR volunteers are ready to help the community members and ready to give back to the community.”
ICLR members Rania Elbahey and Hoda Hagrass donating meals to the UAMS Emergency Medicine staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Along with donating food to those in need throughout the community, the congregation also donated meals to the Emergency Medicine staff at UAMS in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rania Elbahey and Hoda Hagrass took pre-boxed meals to the Emergency Medicine department to provide a bit of relief for employees that have been working tirelessly.
Marcia Dunbar, the UAMS Volunteer Coordinator said “Our staff is overwhelmed by the kindness shown during this time. It reminds us that we are not alone in this. We greatly appreciate community support. It may seem small to some, but when food is delivered from a business within the community, it is like having a little bit of home with us. We can’t always leave to run and get our favorite meal. Having it brought to us is a huge kindness.”
Services may differ due to COVID-19, so here are some platforms that can be reached out to for more information. The ICLR facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/theiclr.org, the website is http://theiclr.org/, and the phone number is 501-565-4930.