Candidate for Shura ulsa Islamic Center

Campaign Title: “Serving with Compassion

Campaign Title: “Serving with Compassion — IST Food Pantry Outreach Initiative”

Slogan: “From Our Doorsteps to Theirs — Together, We Nourish Hope.”

Vision

To transform the IST Food Pantry into a community-wide movement of compassion, where we not only serve those who come to us but also reach those who cannot come — extending the mercy, generosity, and unity that Islam teaches.

Mission

To expand the reach of the IST Food Pantry by delivering food directly to families and individuals in need, strengthening our partnerships with local organizations, and creating a culture of giving within our community.

Why This Campaign Matters

The need for food assistance continues to grow in our city. Many families, seniors, and individuals face barriers such as lack of transportation, disability, or financial hardship that prevent them from accessing the help they need.

At IST, we are blessed with both resources and a heart for service — a van, a dedicated pantry, and volunteers who care deeply. Now, it’s time to take the next step — to bring the food to the people and to invite our broader community to join hands in serving humanity.

“The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” — Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Campaign Goals

  1. Deliver Hope: Launch the IST Food Delivery Program — using the IST van to deliver food weekly to families and individuals who cannot pick up from the pantry.
  2. Expand Partnerships: Collaborate with local shelters, senior homes, and nonprofit organizations to donate surplus food and extend IST’s outreach.
  3. Engage the Community: Encourage the local Muslim and non-Muslim communities to participate through food drives, monthly donation pledges, and volunteer service.
  4. Raise Awareness: Highlight IST’s role as a community pillar — not just serving Muslims, but serving humanity at large.

How It Works

Step 1: Identify Recipients

  • Partner with local community centers, schools, and shelters to identify individuals or families in need.
  • Create a confidential referral system for members who know of families that require food assistance.

Step 2: Collect and Prepare Food

  • Continue regular pantry operations while expanding donations through community drives.
  • Designate volunteers to sort, pack, and label food for delivery.

Step 3: Delivery & Distribution

  • Use the IST Van for scheduled weekly deliveries.
  • Create “Care Packages” for special occasions like Ramadan, Eid, Thanksgiving, or winter months.

Step 4: Community Collaboration

  • Host “Share a Meal Day” each quarter — where community members can contribute food items for partner organizations.
  • Establish donation bins in the mosque and local businesses for ongoing contributions.

How the Community Can Participate

✅ Volunteer: Join the delivery or pantry team.
✅ Donate: Contribute non-perishable items or sponsor a family’s food package.
✅ Partner: If you’re a business or organization, partner with IST to distribute or co-host food drives.
✅ Spread the Word: Help promote the initiative in your circles, schools, and workplaces.

Communication & Outreach Plan

  • Friday Announcement: Introduce the campaign at Jummah prayers.
  • Social Media Campaign: Weekly posts featuring stories of impact, volunteer highlights, and donation needs.
  • Flyers & Email Newsletters: Share updates on progress and upcoming drives.
  • Community Events: Organize “Food for All” open houses to engage and recruit more volunteers.

Impact

By launching this campaign, IST will:

  • Serve more families than ever before.
  • Strengthen bonds with the broader Tulsa community.
  • Foster unity, compassion, and a sense of purpose within our congregation.
  • Show that IST is not only a place of worship — but a beacon of service.

Closing Message

Let’s make the IST Food Pantry not just a place — but a movement.
A movement where faith turns into action, kindness turns into community, and service turns into legacy.

Together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry in our city.

Join us today — Be part of something that feeds both the body and the soul.