Generosity is a key ethic of the Shia Ismaili Muslim faith, and throughout our history, we have been reminded of our ethical responsibility to care for our neighbors in need. At a program on The Transformative Power of Generosity at the Aga Khan Centre, Prince Amyn said:
“The notion of sharing one’s wealth to support educational and charitable
endeavour for the benefit of others is a well-established principle of our faith...It is
something which I think distinguishes us as a community and which has enabled us
over the generations to create and to build institutions which have supported the
quality of life not only of our Jamat but also of those amongst whom we live.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial distress to many US families with lost jobs and closed businesses, and exacerbating food insecurity, especially in households with children, leaving families to wonder how they could provide their next meal.
According to Feeding America, a network of US-based domestic hunger relief organizations, COVID-19 provided a “perfect storm” including ”surges in demand, declines in food donations, and fewer available volunteers” at local food banks and food pantries. It is estimated that 54 million Americans, including 18 million children will be faced with food insecurity in 2020.
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Given this great demand for food donations, I-CERV (Ismaili Community Engaged in Responsible Volunteering) organized a series of COVID-19 Recovery Food Drives at Ismaili Jamatkhanas throughout the Southeast. A total of over 35,000 pounds of food were collected in metro-Atlanta, Memphis, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Nashville, and Knoxville, with an approximate value of over $58,000.
Over 60 volunteers helped support the effort by collecting, packing, and delivering food items that were donated by hundreds of Ismaili families in the Southeast.
At a time when many in the community wondered how they could positively respond to the pandemic, the I-CERV COVID-19 Recovery Food Drives provided a way to make a meaningful difference. Whether through donating a few cans of food, or by volunteering to organize a local drive, Ismailis found an outlet for their craving to serve and help their neighbors.
Kyle Waide, President and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank met some volunteers of the I-CERV COVID-19 Recovery Drive organizing team and thanked the Ismaili
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Community for its generosity. He said, “We deeply appreciate the support of the Ismaili Council and I-CERV volunteers for stepping up in this time of crisis. By working together, we can end hunger and grow a stronger community.”
Shelley Armstrong, Director of Events and Major Gifts at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank appreciated the Ismaili community for coming together virtually to collect the food donations. She assured the I-CERV volunteers that this food would be shared with families in need as a result of COVID-19 and recent tornadoes in the Chattanooga area.
Nafiya Charaniya was one of the I-CERV volunteer organizers. She says, “The coronavirus has affected our community and humanity tremendously. I am very grateful that I was able to participate in the COVID-19 Recovery Drive and help out individuals and families who need the extra support during this time. I felt that I was able to make an impact in the community during this time when we may not be able to go out and directly support hands-on.”
Thousands of pounds of non-perishable food were delivered to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Mid-South Food Bank, The City of Hoover, Alabama, Chattanooga Area Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, and Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.
For Imra Gillani, an I-CERV volunteer, the COVID-19 Recovery Drive was an example of the ability of the Ismaili community to unite and serve with generosity. She says, “our Jamat was eager to come together to donate and spread awareness about the drive, despite the physical distancing, and this, I believe, was a true testament to our strength as a community and our dedication to service.”
Ishaan Sarfani, another I-CERV volunteer said, “in times of greatest despair and hopelessness, our community is able to bind together and uplift spirits across all borders.” He adds, “I loved how this project made me feel so significant within my own insignificance. The experience also greatly humbled me after hearing how much food is distributed just on a weekly basis by the Atlanta Community Food Bank and it made me realize that we still have a long way to go.”
