For the 3rd year in a row, the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona is delighted to be partnering with churches, stakes, synagogues, and mosques across the valley to help transform the 9/11 commemoration narrative from one of sadness to one of service. The overwhelming success of previous years’ efforts is evidence of how diverse faith communities can be united in supporting the most needy among us.
Kim Bartman, coordinator of the food drive at The Fountains, says, “Prior to 2012, I watched the TV tributes and saw the images of the destruction of 9/11 and felt so helpless & depressed. Then the opportunity arose for my daughter and me to do something positive in our community in memory of those who died. My daughter and I have met some wonderful people and made genuine friends among people of different faiths. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach her that there is a huge difference between terrorists & people of faith.”
Fountains kids with just a few of the many bags already collected for the 9/11 Multi-Faith food drive
Pastor at The Fountains, Rev. David Felten, says, “There’s no better time than now, with the turmoil growing in the Middle East, that we do all we can to foster friendships across religious boundaries and witness to the positive work we can do together for our communities.” As a growing company of Mormons, Protestants, Muslims, Catholics, Jews, and various ethnic community groups take part, Jill Stoler, member of the Islamic Speakers Bureau, says, “This is a wonderful demonstration of how, when it comes to caring for those in need, there are no racial, religious, ethnic, cultural or age boundaries.”
Join with your neighbors and choose to make 9/11 a day of working together in service to those who are hungry in both Fountain Hills and around the valley. Last year, The Fountains alone collected over 600 pounds of non-perishable food items for the drive – and are hoping to top that this year!
Donations can be delivered to The Fountains, a United Methodist Church (15300 N Fountain Hills Blvd) by 3pm on Wednesday, September 10th. They will be picked up on 9/11 and delivered to The Cultural Cup Food Bank in Phoenix and The Extended Hands Food Bank in Fountain Hills.
For more information about the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona and the Multi-Faith Food Drive, visit: www.isb-az.org