ADDISON, Illinois – Volunteers working with Islamic Relief USA gathered during the weekend to pack meals for the hungry and needy, amid efforts to help their community before the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

During the annual Ramadan Food Pack-Out, held on Saturday, hundreds of Muslim volunteers gathered to help those who lack the means to provide healthy food for their families, Daily Herald reported.

Volunteers worked in two 4-hour shifts with the goal of preparing 5,000 packaged meals of nonperishable foods that will be distributed through area food pantries, houses of worship and other agencies.

Earlier last week, the group branch in the UK launched its Ramadan campaign, with posters on buses up and down the country encouraging both non-Muslims and Muslims to think about those less fortunate than themselves and support the charity’s work.

“Our message is simply a reminder to give thanks to Allah for the opportunity to help others. That is why we have chosen to put our message across the country in the hope that millions of people will see it and remember those who are less fortunate, regardless of whether they themselves have a faith or have no faith,” Judith Escribano, Islamic Relief UK Head of Communications, said.

Islamic Relief’s “For the Love of Allah, Save a Life Now” campaign runs for two weeks from today, Monday 23 April, ahead of the start of the month of Ramadan in mid-May.

“During this climate of Islamophobia, it’s also an opportunity for us to demonstrate the good that Muslims do. One of the five pillars of Islam requires Muslims to donate 2.5 percent of their wealth to charity. The majority of British Muslims choose to do this during Ramadan,” Escribano said.

“Contrary to popular perceptions, one of the principles of Islam is the sanctity of life. The Qur’an declares ‘whosoever saves a life saves the whole of mankind’. Through the bus campaign, Islamic Relief wants to remind people of the importance of saving lives and the responsibility of Muslims to protect life.”