On December 9, 2017 in the midst of the largest wildfire in California’s history, the San Diego Jamat rallied together in record numbers at Feeding America San Diego’s food bank. Volunteering alongside other groups, the San Diego I-CERV team helped pack meals and oranges which would be distributed directly to the families of those affected by the fires.

But volunteers were not the only members on site. After touring the warehouse, understanding the donations process, and receiving their assignments for the day, the teams were paid a surprise visit from the local ABC-10 news crew, arriving to showcase the activity.

Sean Wayani, 11, was volunteering with his sister and mother when the news team arrived. “It was cool to see them,” he recalled. “They...were videotaping us while we worked.” The news segment would air on local television later that evening.

Sean recounted his experience with I-CERV as very positive, cheerfully describing the fun he had with other Ismailis young and old at the event.  “I really like helping people in need, because it makes the community a better place to live. I would really like to do more of these!”

In true working fashion, the I-CERV team developed a “food conveyor belt” process to streamline their efficiency.  Before the day was over, the group managed to package four enormous barrels’ worth of oranges for the fire victims and their families.

What is also notable is how this group of individuals came together to serve.  While many heard the information from announcements in Jamatkhana or on social media, Dr. Nazneen Dewji came as she received a call to serve as part of her Diamond Jubilee TKN assignment. A university professor for the past three decades and founder of a drug company, Dr. Dewji was understandably surprised that her first assignment to leverage her skills would be to bag oranges. However, once she donned her gloves and began working, none of that mattered. “It was very uplifting,” she happily claimed. “It’s always nice to be doing something. We always lament about how things should be done. When you do something at the grass-roots level, you really feel like you’re contributing.”  Dr. Dewji continued, “the next time I’ll be sure to go on my own, and will take a few friends with me!”