Islamic Centre in Chicagoland distribute free meals to elderly

With the rapid spread of the pandemic in US, the Indian-American community is coming together to help the most the most vulnerable sections of the population in the country, especially the elderly.

Amidst them, one such organisation is the Islamic Center of Naperville, Illinois (ICN) which recently launched their “iDriveProgram” that picks up and delivers freshly cooked meals from the local delis and restaurants to distribute among the vulnerable and needy people in the community during the month of Ramadan. Their main focus is to help the elderly people who are at the most risk.

Some of the vendors who provide the meals under this drive for Iftaar that is eaten to break the fast during Ramadan include Haveli, Mr. Boast, Pita Inn and Porto’s Peri Peri. These restaurants are located in Naperville and Aurora.

The organisers further reported that ICN arranges for different meal options for the communities every single day.

The meals provided to the elderly and the needy people in the community are completely free of charge and the drive is carried out through the donations that come in from the community.

The volunteers who are part of the ICN Youth Program help pick up the meals from the vendors and then distribute to the designated houses where it needs to be delivered. The same is done via drive thru, so no contact is present.

The individuals who have registered under this drive come to the ICN Ogden Mosque to get their meals in between 6 to 7pm.

The volunteers have ensures to not just practice social distancing but all the necessary hygiene guidelines and protocols to ensure maximum safety. They have been using appropriate PPE during every stage of the process.

“The iDrive Program has been a rewarding experience for everyone involved. The most gratifying moment is seeing a smile on someone’s face as they are comforted to know that the ICN Community is here for them!” the press release reported.