DAY TO SERVE INTERFAITH FOOD DRIVE BENEFITS DAR AL-HIJRAH AND ACCA FOOD PANTRIES

DAY TO SERVE INTERFAITH FOOD DRIVE BENEFITS DAR AL-HIJRAH AND ACCA FOOD PANTRIES
by Hank Molinengo

Day to Serve began in 2012 as a collaboration among the governors of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the mayor of Washington, DC. Setting aside political differences, they worked together to feed the hungry and improve their communities. They invited all citizens, faith groups, businesses and community organizations to join the cause, encouraging the creativity of individuals, families, groups and communities to meet the needs they saw in their own backyards.

In response to the call from the governors, the Clergy and Leadership Council of Fairfax County called on faith communities to work together to commemorate this year’s Day to Serve with an interfaith effort.

As a result, on Saturday September 13, volunteers from Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center, John Calvin Presbyterian Church, the Baha’i Faith, Ravensworth Baptist Church, and the Annandale VA Stake of the LDS Church worked together to collect food items to benefit food pantries administered by Dar Al Hijrah and Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA). These groups solicited food donations at the Giant Food Store at 7137 Columbia Pike in Annandale, VA and the Shoppers Food Warehouse at 6360 Seven Corners Center, Falls Church, VA.

The response by the community to this interfaith effort was tremendous. The community rallied together and put a dent in the diminished food supply at both food banks. Aggregate results from the stores participating in the drive revealed over 75 grocery carts of donated food weighing 5 tons, and cash, check, or gift card donations totaling over $1000.

Helping unload and shelve the food were 56 volunteers, donating 96 hours of service. Conducting the food drive at the stores over the 4-5 shifts were about 120 volunteers with total hours of service exceeding 200. About one quarter of the volunteers were youth.

It is interesting to note that the Giant reported that sales were up 30 percent during the drive. A large number of prepackaged $10 boxes of food were donated by this wonderful grocery store.

The event was a resounding success and demonstrates what people of good will can do when they work together. It s hoped that these efforts will become a part of the landscape in Fairfax County as local churches reach out to one another and celebrate what they have in common – concern for those less fortunate.