The Islamic Center of Baton Rouge is hosting a blood drive April 17 in conjunction with the University’s Muslim Student Association.
The blood drive will take place at the Masjed an-Noor Islamic Center on West Chimes Street from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The blood will be donated to hospitals throughout the Baton Rouge area, Zamal Mohamed, one of the blood drive coordinators, said.
“[We’re] providing back to the community that embraces us. It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ and ‘here is something for you,’” Mohamed said.
The Islamic Center hosts this blood drive twice a year and typically collects 80 to 100 pints of blood. The group has been recognized as one of the most prolific in terms of collecting blood, Mohamed said.
The event is open to the community and lunch will be provided to donors and non-donors Dean Mohamed, another coordinator, said.
The Islamic Center does other work in the community, Zamal said. The center participates in walks, provides community dinner during Ramadan and collects donations for the ansaar fund, which is used to provide shelter and help those in the community who may be going through difficult times.