“We had the chance to experience how the money we fundraise is impacting people’s lives,” said junior Rahima Shaikh who is currently the president of MSA.
Smile Charity whose vision is “a faith-inspired community working together to eliminate poverty, restore dignity, promote social justice and establish beauty in America ” has been helping Muslims and non-Muslims in Bergen County come together especially during these hard times.
“We started off the day with the girls, Siamee Ahmed, Numa Quraishi, Ceren Sari, and I restocking the food pantry. At first, we were all a bit shy, but then we got comfortable and started having fun,” Rahima explained.
Later the boys joined in and helped with stocking the pantry, Rafi Ahmed and Sidrath Ahmed, and everyone was glad to help and happy to be actively involved.
The MSA raised funds through two projects Rahima and MSA vice president Moeenaldean (Moe) Dalia suggested. The group designed and sold approximately 50 T-shirts that said “Sabr” on them or “patience in Arabic,” and they created and sold 39 Ramadan Gift Bags. Together the fundraisers totaled approximately $650.
The 20-member club hopes to expand next year and do more to address global events affecting Muslims.