Islamic Center in Chicagoland delivers free meals to elderly during Ramadan

May 17, 2020

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Flyer describing the iDriveProgram of the Islamic Center of Naperville, Illinois, which has been distributing meals to seniors and others during COVID-19. Photo: courtesy ICN

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds around the country, numerous Indian-Americans are mobilizing to help the most vulnerable sections of the population in numerous ways.

Among them is the Islamic Center of Naperville, Illinois (ICN), which launched an “iDriveProgram” that organizes the pickup and delivery of freshly cooked meals from local vendors, during the month of fasting for Ramadan, especially focusing on the elderly and needy, a May 17, 2020, press release from ICN said.

The vendors who provide iftaar meals(evening meal to break the fast) include Haveli (Naperville), Mr. Broast (Aurora), Pita Inn (Naperville), and Porto’s Peri Peri (Aurora).

ICN Youth, volunteer teams, and ICN Board members have been serving over 150 meals daily to the elderly, vulnerable, and those in need through the Ramadan Iftar iDrive program at Ogden Mosque. Photo: courtesy Islamic Center of Naperville

Every day, ICN provides different menu options to the community members and their families, organizers said.

Meals are provided to the elderly and needy free of charge, and the cost of the meals is covered by donations from the community.

Bags of prepared meals are waiting at Islamic Center of Naperville, Ogden mosque, to be handed over to those who come to collect and for delivery to the elderly and other needy people by the Islamic Center of Naperville, Illinois, whose Youth teams and ICN Board members have been serving more than 150 meals daily through the month of Ramadan Iftar through its iDriveProgram. Photo: courtesy ICN

Volunteers from the ICN Youth Program help pick up the meals from vendors, distribute them at the drive-thru, and deliver them to those who are unable to come.

Individuals who register online for the program come to the ICN Ogden Mosque (2844 W Ogden Ave, Naperville) to pick up their meals between 6 and 7 PM.

The volunteers have been practicing proper social distancing guidelines and using appropriate PPE at each step of the program, the organization said.

“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!” said the press release.