An estimated 40-50 people gathered at the mosque to bag the products, from snack chips and water to deodorant and toothpaste, working side by side with smiles and cooperation.
“We are so proud of the turnout and people taking initiative on a Saturday afternoon. It shows a love for our community,” said Samina Ahmed, treasurer of Masjid Al-Madina.
The idea for the collaboration came from Tom Lauber, Champion City’s outreach coordinator. Each month they reach out to help fellow churches and other organizations.
“If the plan is to love everybody, that means reaching out to the Muslim community, Jewish community, all communities,” said Lauber. “To represent Christ is to serve a broader community.”
Knowing June marked Ramadan, one of the Muslim community’s most important month-long observances, it seemed like a good time to connect. The church offered to help do grounds work or other maintenance, but Imam Yunus Lasania of Masjid Al-Madina had another thought.
The mosque has a long-term association with the soup kitchen, which sees a consistent high need for such products. Ramadan is not just a time for reflection on faith, but a time to show generosity, said Lasania.
A 16 1/2-hour daily fast is part of Ramadan. Fred Stegner, who runs the soup kitchen, sees involuntary fasting on a regular basis from those he serves, some getting maybe three good meals a week.
“These packages are more than survival needs, they’re an example of a God-fearing community that works together,” Stegner said. “This is an example of love. I look forward to seeing the faces and how much they appreciate it.”
There were 100 separate hygiene packs each for men, women and children, along with 200 food packs.
Ahmed later led a presentation on Islam so its guests could have a better understanding of the faith.
She’ll conduct another such presentation at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Wittenberg University’s Shouvlin Center as part of the Global Education Speaker Series.
By the time the work was complete, both sides agreed to make this an annual event, possibly semi-annual around the holidays as well.
Springfield will see another such collaboration with the Second Annual Interfaith Peace Walk, 9:30-11 a.m. June 17 at City Hall Plaza.
Last year’s initial event was sparked by the Orlando, Fla. shootings. Organizer Dr. Akber Mohammed said the walk raised $10,000 for the shooting victims.
The event will feature a ceremony expressing peace traditions of world and local organization followed by a half-mile peace walk to the historic Gammon House.
The annual Juneteenth Celebration and FatherFest events will be on the grounds following the walk.
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