Who we are

People who want to help.

Back-2-School giveaway events are not strange in the U.S. Many churches and non-profit organizations do these type of events each year. ICNA as well has been doing these type of events for the past 5 years. In 2009 is when the idea tipped for ICNA, where our NY Chapter held a Back-2-School giveaway event for their first time. At the event they witnessed some great experiences, including an enormous crowd of attendees, a great participation from volunteers, and a very meaningful and much needed cause. Unfortunately, at the event there weren't enough school bags for all the children and families present.

This is when the idea tipped and the following year, in 2010, ICNA NY executed 11 Back-2-School giveaway events, taking it to every section of the NYC Metropolitan region, giving away 4,000 school bags filled with school supplies.

In 2011, ICNA Relief and ICNA decided to make this a national project, encouraging all of it's chapters to implement it and as well as offering help to others, no matter their race, religion or affiliation, to start this project in their city.

• About ICNA Relief

  

  ICNA Relief USA (ICNA Relief) provides domestic disaster relief and social services to under served populations within the united states. Our clients consist primarily of immigrants and minorities whose access to services has been obstructed by numerous hurdles, including language barriers and cultural misconceptions.

  ICNA Relief is multicultural community building organization which fulfills basic human needs and provide social services to the under-served. ICNA Relief operates under the principle that all people are created equal, and when given the right tools, will thrive and bring communities. We promote justice by creating the opportunities for the less fortunate to lead healthy and productive lives.

  We are running successfully following Programs:

  Domestic Disaster Relief

  National Crisis Hot-line

  Family Support Services

  Women Shelter/Temporary Housing

  Hunger Prevention

  Funeral Services

  Our Head Quarter is located at 87-91 144th Street, Jamaica, NY 11435 with more than 14 Field offices over all in the united states. More than 150 volunteers are helping us to accomplish our mission.

  We are a Muslim organization and feel the responsibility to help and support the needy as our religious responsibility.

• About ICNA

  

  The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the promotion of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts. Visit ICNA.org for more info.

• Our Vision

  

  The Back 2 School Giveaway, a project of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA),
  began as a local initiative in 2009 to bring free school supplies to low-income
  families in Yonkers, NY. The goal was simple—to help neighbors in need, regardless
  of race or religion, as they struggled to conquer the never-ending list of supplies
  for the new school year. Months of planning, purchasing and prepping led to an
  overwhelmingly successful event at the Andalusia School— one that indicated the
  deep need for such charitable work in New York.
  
  The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, stated, “A person is not a Muslim who
  fills his stomach while his neighbor is hungry.” This saying inspired the team to
  push further in 2010, leading to the debut of a citywide project. 11 Back 2 School
  Giveaways were held in New York—from the Bronx, to Sheepshead Bay, to the
  suburbs in Wyandanch, Long Island. The events garnered much attention from local
  communities, attracting large crowds across the city. Though stocked with hundreds
  of bags, many locations ran out of supplies by the day’s end. 4,000 children received
  free school bags with supplies including pencils, pens, notebooks, crayons and
  markers. ICNA’s Washington, DC and New Jersey chapters also followed suit, hosting
  their own giveaways and helping the organization reach 5,500 children in one
  month.
  
  Last year, amidst a struggling economy and rising prices, ICNA decided to partner
  with its social services division, ICNA Relief, and various local organizations to bring
  the Back 2 School Giveaway nationwide.
  
  The project quickly gained popularity, with 13 states hosting events in 40
  communities, helping an estimated 15,000 children across the country.
  
  This year we’re expanding our project to even more states and hope to deliver free
  school bags and supplies to 30,000 students by the beginning of the school year.
  
  The Back 2 School Giveaway provides tools for education, promotes a better future
  for our children, encourages activism and builds bridges between communities.