Day of Caring to bring help, awareness to Springfield homeless, hungry

A local mosque is doing its part to help raise awareness about the homeless and hungry population in Springfield.

The An-Nur Islamic Community Center, located at 743 W. Liberty St. in Springfield, will host the Day of Caring Pancake Brunch, a charity fundraiser set to take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 25.

The Day of Caring 365 is a grassroots organization based in Beavercreek made up of volunteers who are dedicated to helping the homeless and hungry population. Money raised by the group is distributed to homeless shelters and food pantries in their local areas.

» DETAILS: Meet the Wright State graduate who helped create ‘Black Panther’

Imam Mustafaa Islam of the An-Nur Islamic Community Center said the mosque was approached by the director of Day of Caring to host their own event last year.

“Part of our mission is to help the community, provide things that are needed in the community and to address community needs, so we felt this was right up our alley,” he said.

Last year the mosque raised around $1,200, which went directly to organizations in the city such as the Interfaith Hospitality Network homeless shelter, Islam said. The group hopes to raise at least that much again this year, he said.

Day of Caring 365 typically gives all of the money raised by different sites back to them for distribution, making them unique, he said.

“They’re 100 percent real about that,” he said. “They don’t take fees or anything. It goes right back to the community.”

» READ MORE: Songwriter finally gets her due for penning ‘We Shall Overcome’

Islam said he believes a great need exists in Springfield. Food pantries see a lot of visitors from people struggling to get by, he said, and homeless shelters often need supplies.

“Very seldom are they not full, especially at times like these when the weather is bad,” he said. “They’re always in need of food or other supplies people would need in the shelters.”

» READ MORE: Sweetness of Peace ready to offer Springfield tons of dessert delights

Admission to the brunch is $6 for adults and $4 for children and seniors. But for those who can’t afford to pay, they will still be able to eat at the brunch, Islam said.

“People will be there to donate tickets to those who are hungry,” he said. “Everyone will have a chance to eat.”

About the Author