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The Rotary Club of Dearborn is lending a hand to a local non-profit humanitarian organization as it works to assist in addressing basic needs, particularly now during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rotary Club is hosting a food drive through November 17 to benefit Zaman International and asks for the community's support. The food drive is being organized by the Rotary Club's Laila Dakroub, who says she believes helping Zaman International at this crucial time was a good choice. "Everybody in this community knows somebody who's benefiting from Zaman," says Dakroub. "We see firsthand the effect that they have on our community and we know that the donations will go directly where they need to go."

Dakroub had been a volunteer at Zaman in the past and says the organization's reputation for helping families break the cycle of poverty and provide job skills for its clients is well-known. In fact, in 2019, the organization and its CEO, Najah Bazzy, were included in CNN's Top 10 List of Nominees for Hero of the Year.

Zaman International's Chief Impact Officer, Monica Boomer says COVID-19 has altered the way it operates. The building and its offices are currently closed but that doesn't mean the organization has stopped helping. Boomer says Zaman is using a no-contact drive-up method of delivering food and household supplies to its clients, who would normally visit the food pantry each month. For the general public, Zaman has partnered with Gleaners Community Food Bank to offer a drive-thru food distribution every other Thursday. "For now, this will be our continued method," she says.

The first Rotary Club was founded in Chicago in 1905 to allow professionals to exchange ideas and advance humanitarian projects. Today Rotary Clubs operate on a global scale to address problems and needs wherever they may be. Dakroub wanted her club to do something to help those who are still struggling with the effects of the pandemic, whether the struggle includes a lost job or a lost family member. "It's really easy to get this community to support one another, especially during drives like this," she says.

Items accepted during the food drive include non-perishable canned items, macaroni, peanut butter, and crackers, along with hygiene items including toothpaste, shampoo, and body lotion. All items can be dropped off at ReMax Team 2000 Real Estate office located at 23676 Park Street, just south of Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. Please drop off all donations by November 17. If transportation is a problem but you still want to donate, Dakroub says she is willing to pick up your donation. She can be reached at 313-622-1534.

"Zaman is continuing to prepare for people being in need of food assistance," says Boomer. "We're appreciative of Rotary and our other partners who have really come to the table in this very stressful time to help us fill this need."

Between the pandemic and the resulting unemployment, need is predominant in every community. Dakroub says if someone is struggling it can be difficult to ask for help. Here in metro Detroit, the Rotary Club of Dearborn hopes to alleviate that need. "I think that's what makes this special-that we decided to help without having to be asked."

To find out more about Zaman International and its twice-monthly food distribution, call 313-551-3994 or see their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/zamaninternational.