Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — In an effort to serve the needy, the International Indian School Jeddah Alumni Association (IISJAA) organized a weeklong food drive at International Indian School Jeddah, girls' section auditorium here. The food drive resulted in collection of more than 6,000 units of food items, donated by alumni students and other families. “Food is an intrinsic part of Ramadan festivity, and it is our duty to provide food to the needy people. With this aim we have been carrying out this activity for the last three years and our donations are increasing every year,” said IISJAA president Asim Zeeshan. He added: “Our food drive proved to be a great opportunity for our younger generation to develop the essence and importance of helping those who are in need. “When my five-year-old daughter saw us busy with the food drive, one evening she also brought her piggy bank and said that she too wanted to go to the supermarket and buy food items from her own money. At that moment I realized that one of our objectives to impart the teaching of social service is getting accomplished.” IISJAA is hopeful that this year it will reach out to 150 families with baskets full of food products — rice, sugar, cooking oil, milk powder, liquid milk, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, dates and juices — sufficient for a family of 4-5 members for the whole of Ramadan. IISJAA vice president Syed Aziz emphasized the importance of volunteers who are the backbone of such events. “We are extremely thankful to all those who came and volunteered for this noble cause right from collecting cash/donating food, spreading about the activity through word-of-mouth and social media, sorting and packing of food items and distribution of food packages to various neighborhoods of the city.” IISJAA general secretary Fareed Sardar Khan said that through this food drive we ensure that the teachings of Islam, our parents and our beloved school are practiced and we provide service to the community which is an essential building block for a composed community at large. We communicated with all the registered members of IISJAA through emails and social media.” The joint secretary of IISJAA, Fathima Afsar, said: “We believe that access to healthy food provided in a dignified manner is important for everyone. Too often, low-income people are forced into dehumanizing situations in order to gain access to food; we feel this is disgraceful. In all humbleness we ensure that while providing the food packages to the beneficiary they are treated with respect and grace.” IISJAA Treasurer Abdul Rahman M. Baig said: “Any amount of non-perishable food would help us achieve the objective. We encouraged donors to buy the food items by themselves so that they become an active participant in this event. However, some donors due to time constraints came forward with cash donations. Generous financial contribution by some benefactors made an enormous impact this year.” A statement issued by the IISJAA executive committee stated: “It believes good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others, and that behind every success story of charitable work it requires a long thread of support and cooperation of various individuals, groups and corporate houses.” Jotun Paints donated premium quality dates and Basateen Foods Ltd supplied Mazola Oil. IISJAA has also been involved in other humanitarian works as well. Last week it provided pre-packed lunch to over 2,000 distressed Indians at the Jeddah Deportation Center. Several IISJAA volunteers took a day off from their work and devoted the time at the center serving food and water to their fellow citizens.
