A Tampa mosque and allied organizations are gathering supplies to bring to Hurricane Harvey survivors in Texas Thursday.
Here’s the Facebook event page for the supply drive organized by the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay, Penny Appeal, and Love Has No Borders.
To find out what types of supplies are needed and how people can help, WMNF News interviewed Aida Mackic is with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Florida).
Listen:
“We’ve gotten with our partners, with Islamic relief, we have gotten word that we only need cleaning supplies; sponges, dishwasher liquid, laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, hygiene supplies–I think that was on the top of the list for the hygiene supplies–such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, diapers, baby wipes and also, regarding food and water, non-perishables, canned foods, rice, oil, crackers, juice, things of that nature.”
If people have things like that to donate, where can they bring them?
“We will be collecting all items at the ISTBA Mosque and the entrance of the mosque is 7326 E. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, Florida, 33610.”
ISTBA stands for Islamic Society of Tampa Bay. And there’s other groups that are involved in this supply drive: Tampa Muslims for Texas Relief and Love Has No Borders. How are those groups involved?
“Correct. Those are all of our allies and partners that basically reached out to CAIR, Penny Appeal. Actually, it started with idea from Penny Appeal, which is also another non-profit organization, here locally in Tampa, and we just basically came together and the mosque offered its facilities and also offered to fund the endeavor. So, all of these partners and allies came together and said, ‘How can we help?’ and this it how it came about, within a 24-hour period, basically.”
How are these supplies going to be delivered to people in need, in the Gulf Coast?
“Well, we are hoping as much as we can in this trip, that we will be leaving with the trucks on Thursday. We were hoping to fill 4 large trucks of supplies, for this Thursday. If we do have more items that we will collect, we’re going to then evaluate how much more we are collecting and then hopefully send another round of trucks with supplies by the end of September.”
So, if people want to get in the first round of trucks, to donate today essentially, because they’re leaving tomorrow.
“Correct. They’re leaving tomorrow morning.”
Is there anything else our listeners should know about this issue?
“We just want to urge everyone to step up and help one another out in times like this. I think it’s really important to set aside our differences and focus on helping our neighbors.”
The first round of trucks will leave Tampa tomorrow morning. Donations will be accepted until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay at 7326 East Sligh Avenue in Tampa.
