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Islamic Relief USA Launches Annual Day of Dignity Campaign in South Dakota

WASHINGTON, June 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Islamic Relief USA (IR USA), a non-profit relief and development organization based in metro-D.C., today announced the launch of its eighth annual Day of Dignity campaign, a grassroots effort that brings volunteers around the country together to distribute food, clothing, blankets, medical care, first aid, and other social services to those in need.

This year, IR USA, expanded its Day of Dignity to include a total of 22 cities -- an increase from 2 cities last year. The campaign is estimated to recruit more than 2000 volunteers who in turn, will serve 20,000 homeless and people in need throughout America.

The kick-off event begins this Saturday, June 19th at a community center at the Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota, in conjunction with the children's Pow Wow.

"Day of Dignity is an effort designed to help others who are struggling with any number of life's challenges," said Saleem Khalid, manager of domestics programs at IR USA. "It should not be looked upon as a single event in a particular city, but rather a synergy designed to assist beneficiaries from the kindness of their fellow human beings. It is an opportunity for those who have, to give, of their time, of their wealth, and of their compassion. We hope that people will either participate, and/or replicate the activity in their local area, thereby increasing the numbers of recipients we are able to reach."

    WHAT:         Day of Dignity
    WHEN:         Saturday June 19th, 2010 from 11 am to 4:30 pm
    WHERE:        Crow Creek Reservation, South Dakota

NOTE: For details on other upcoming Day of Dignity events, please visit: www.dayofdignity.com for dates and locations. To learn how to get involved, please contact Nazia Hossain, IR USA volunteer coordinator, at 703-370-7202, Nazia@IslamicReliefUSA.org or Victor David at 605-376-0610, broimannsfsd@yahoo.com.

Co-sponsors of this event include: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who donated school and hygiene kits; Sioux Falls Islamic School; Universal Outreach Program; and Human Interaction of Religious Understanding.

Inspired by Islam's values on charitable giving and community development, IR USA is a relief organization dedicated to alleviating poverty through disaster relief and development projects in the U.S. and globally for communities regardless of color, race, religion, or creed.

Islamic Relief's response efforts to Hurricane Katrina assisted over 60,000 people in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and also raised more than $2.2 million dollars for the Haiti earthquake.

Islamic Relief provides grants to other non-profit organizations throughout the country that address issues relating to family, healthcare, and social services.

For the sixth consecutive year, Islamic Relief USA has been awarded four stars by Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in the country. This prestigious award puts Islamic Relief among the top 2.25 percent of charities in the nation. To learn more, visit, www.islamicreliefusa.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Rabiah Ahmed at 202-439-1441, rahmed@islamicreliefusa.org

SOURCE Islamic Relief USA