Islamic center members donate food to poor

On a sweltering Sunday afternoon in September, the parking lot of the Salvation Army is filled with teenagers.

Boys and girls, dressed in jeans and flip-flops, are lined up against cars near boxes and coolers. White lunch bags filled with sandwiches and snacks are inside the boxes. The coolers are filled with bottled water, juice and ice cream treats.

As they wait, church bells ring in the distance to the tune of "America, the Beautiful." A few minutes go by and then a steady stream of men and women stroll out from the downtown Ocala shelter. They form a moving line where they are greeted with handshakes, smiles and friendly hellos from the teens. Some of the people talk with the kids for a minute. Others say thank you and escape from the sun to eat their food on a concrete bench in the shade.

But these kids are used to the heat. For months, they have pounded the downtown streets every Sunday to hand out free food to the homeless. And for weeks, they've been feeding the poor while their own stomachs sit empty. They are members of the Islamic Center of Ocala. As part of their Muslim faith they fast - no food or water - from sunset to sundown for 30 days as part of Ramadan. The holiday ended last week, but on this hot day, when a big gulp of cold, refreshing water would satisfy anyone, the teens give it to those who need it more.

Donald Blackmon, who came to the Salvation Army three days ago, bypassed the food and water and got himself an ice cream pop. It was his first time receiving food from the group.

"I think it's good and nice of them," he said, holding the melting Popsicle. "It helps me to feel good that people are bring food and helping us out."

About six months ago, the Islamic Center of Ocala started Project Downtown, part of a national movement that began in 2006 in Miami, that helps the homeless by providing free food and supplies on a weekly basis. "The big emphasis in Islam is social services," said Dr. Yousef Elyaman, one of the few adults who help supervise the teens on Sundays. "Almost every verse talks about being a believer and talks about doing good deeds. Over and over again it [Quran] talks about helping the poor people."

Maryam Bennet, 19, said handling the food while they're fasting isn't a major challenge. She and her 16-year-old sister Salsabila Bennett just started volunteering with Project Downtown.

"I think it's mind over matter," said Maryam two weeks ago. "You feel good about helping other people so you almost forget about it."

Bassam Ayshesh, 17 and his brother Mohamad Ayshesh, 13, have helped with Project Downtown since the beginning. They, like most of the youth, attend Sunday school at the center. After it ended at 1:30 p.m., Bassam would go home and watch TV. Then, Elyaman told him about the program. Bassam said when they give out the food, he sees so much happiness and gratitude in the people's eyes.

"We greet them and we shake their hands. We don't just give the food and leave," Bassam said. "We actually talk to them. We've actually gotten to know a lot of them.... In the Quran, it says we should help people less fortunate and if you have more than what you need, you should help. It's good to help."

Right before they head out downtown, Elyaman gathers everyone for a quick talk. "They are human beings," Elyaman tells the group. "We could be in that situation tomorrow, so treat them like people... We're not doing it so that people will think we are good people. We're not doing it so that we think we are good people. We're not doing it because we are bored. We are doing this for God alone."

Breaker head

In the Salvation Army parking lot, the Bennett sisters and Malak Fakhoury chatted with three women from the shelter. They talked about school, family, how they ended up in Ocala. Heather Pascale, 19, had gotten snacks from them before. She's pregnant and her baby is due this month.

"We got water and juice. I think it's a good thing, don't you?" she said. "It does help the community."

"Thank God for them," Cherelle Gordon, 38, chimed in.

After some time passes, a smaller group leaves the Salvation Army and drives to Tuscawilla Park. Two boys pull a cooler on wheels filled with drinks. The ladies carry the lunch bags. As the kids, chaperoned by Marrero, walk down a concrete path they spot a three men hanging out by a picnic table under a tree. They introduce themselves, shake their hands and ask them if they'd like something to eat. The men happily take the food as a big group of ducks waddle toward them.

"Thank you" one said graciously.

"God Bless You," added another.

The downtown square is the next and last stop for the group. Frank Fleming, 51, was sitting on a bench on the square with a hot pink Adidas backpack next to him. He got one of the last snack bags. He was pleasantly surprised when the kids approached him with food. He was also intrigued they were Muslim, he said. He's always been interested in Islam and the Quran.

"It's good to see young people in that frame of mind," said Fleming, wearing a white T-shirt speckled with a few small holes. "They are very good people."

Finally the other cars arrive. Nazin Khan, a member of the Islamic Center, stood back and watched. He said this is how his generation was raised, helping people in need and being charitable.

"But, it's not just about them doing it, but letting them understand why they're doing it," said Khan, whose two kids participate in Project Downtown. "That's the main thing. Having them doing do it without a lesson would be of no value to them."