Shamel Merchant, a volunteer of the organization Muslims for Peace, dressed up as Santa Claus at the Children’s Home Society in Trenton, New Jersey. More than 50 needy children received gifts as this organization, made up of local-area Muslims, hosted a Christmas party Saturday morning here in New Jersey’s capital city.
The interfaith event brought Muslims and non-Muslims together in solidarity at a time when Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is escalating his anti-Muslim rhetoric.
This party was filled with all the fun and special moments a child would expect during Christmas.Christmas is a special time for the Muslims for Peace volunteers. Volunteers plan and coordinate this party months in advance to make sure these children enjoy this party by providing a fun and safe place to celebrate their important holiday, prepare delicious food and desserts and get individually wrapped presents which they can take home and open on Christmas.
Zain Ali, charity Director, Muslims for Peace Inc. said his nonprofit group had helped sponsor the holiday party to continue its tradition of serving the community.
“We’ve been pushing for peace for years,” Ali said. “ This is just building bridges and sustained communities.”
The volunteers sang Christmas carols in English and Spanish and then took pictures of the children with Santa under a Christmas tree. Muslims for Peace wishes these children and all children around the world celebrating Christmas with a joyous and loving holiday season as well as a wonderful and memorable 2017!
The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey helps at-risk infants, children, youth, and families achieve their potential and protects abused or neglected infants and children and strives for stable, permanent, and loving homes, according to a press release about the event.
Christmas is a special time for the Muslims for Peace volunteers. Volunteers plan and coordinate the holiday party months in advance to make sure children experience joy by providing a fun and safe place to celebrate. Volunteers prepare delicious food and desserts, and the children receive individually wrapped presents and $50 Walmart gift cards to take home.
The volunteers sang Christmas carols in English and Spanish and then took pictures of the children with Santa Claus near a Christmas tree. Muslims for Peace wishes these children and all youngsters around the world a joyous and loving holiday season, as well as a wonderful and memorable 2017!
The children were given gifts and specially made, personalized greeting cards that contained quotations from the Quran and the Bible.
