Muslim donation delivers half-ton of food to Crossroads center

More than half a ton of food was delivered to Crossroads Urban Center on Monday, the result of a monthlong drive by Utah's Muslim community during the holy month of Ramadan.

Charity is an integral part of Ramadan, during which adherents to Islam fast from sunrise to sunset, said Imam Shuaib-ud Din of the Khadeeja mosque in West Valley City. The month, based on a lunar calendar, ended Sunday.

"Ramadan is a month of sharing, a month of compassion," Din said. "We have always shared with members of our community, and decided this time around that it's about time we share with the larger community."

The delivery, which weighed in at 1,015.2 pounds, was the result of an effort by the entire Muslim community, including Girl Scout Troop 786, Iqra Academy, the Muslim Society of Greater Salt Lake and mosque attendees.

"All Muslims believe in sharing, giving," said Nadeem Ahmed, president of the Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake. "We will continue this kind of effort."

Last year, the Crossroads food pantry served more than 90,000 people, said Linda Hilton, volunteer resource coordinator. The nonprofit center also offers other services such as a food pantry, fuel assistance and advocacy programs, she said.

This is the first time the Muslim community has organized such a drive, and Hilton said the help goes beyond the food.

"We like to have new groups, it expands our donor base," she said. "As another faith community is more educated about our services, they will send more people in need to us."

Din was already looking forward to giving again, saying, "Next year I'd like to see one ton."

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