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Humanitarian Day benefits Kalamazoo's homelessSept. 24, 2007 KALAMAZOO--Humanitarian Day for the Homeless, a one-day community fair, will be held Saturday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Martin Luther King Park, N. Rose St., Kalamazoo. Western Michigan University's Muslim Student Association is among several national and local organizations sponsoring Humanitarian Day activities, which will include free distribution to those in need of hygiene packs, new winter clothing, children's toys, school supplies and other items. "So far, we have raised $12,000 to purchase clothing, food and other items and expect to serve about 500 people," says Zarinah ElAmin-Naeem, local coordinator for Humanitarian Day and a WMU graduate student in anthropology. Volunteers at the event will be accepting contributions to aid the homeless. Cash donations will be used to purchase clothing, food and children's items. Noncash contributions also are welcome. Items such as winter coats in good condition, school supplies and backpacks are especially needed. "All contributions will be used to aid the homeless in the local area," says ElAmin-Naeem. "This event is not only a way for us to assist the homeless population, but also a way to raise community awareness of issues the homeless face on an everyday basis." Those interested in volunteering their time for Humanitarian Day are encouraged to write to hdaykzoo@gmail.com. For more information, visit humanitarianday.com or write to hdaykzoo@gmail.com. Media contact: Thom Myers, (269) 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu WMU News |
