Muslims in Topeka distribute free turkeys for Thanksgiving

Engaging in charitable activities such as giving away turkeys for Thanksgiving is a nice thing to do, but it's a mistake to confuse such social gospel activities with the true gospel, since non-Christians can perform the same acts. Submitted for your approval, the case of the Islamic Center of Topeka, as reported by Shanna Sloyer in the Topeka Capital-Journal, November 17, 2018 (updated November 19, 2018):

A line formed Saturday morning behind the Let’s Help building on S. Kansas Avenue despite gray skies and chilly temperatures.

The Islamic Center of Topeka had volunteers on hand to distribute 150 free turkeys and Thanksgiving meal trimmings to Let’s Help clients. This is the fifth year the organizations have teamed up to provide for members of the community in need during the holidays.

“This is a blessing,” said Loretta McFarland as she waited in line. “It helps families. They don’t have to go out and spend a lot of money. It’s just gracious that they would go out and do this.”

Rehan Reza, president of the Islamic Center of Topeka, contacted Let’s Help five years ago with an idea. He had seen a similar partnership in Kansas City and was inspired to bring the program to Topeka.

“In Kansas City, the Muslim community was doing this before me,” Reza said. “They give away almost 400 turkeys a year. I live in Topeka, and I think (the) community needs it, to have nice food with their family at Thanksgiving time.”

Along with the Islamic Center of Topeka, the Topeka Rotary Club donates money to purchase food, and Let’s Help provides a space for distribution.

“In our religion, charity is one of the five pillars. We try to help people whenever they need it,” Reza said.

Recipients of free turkeys were required to sign up ahead of the event, and members of the Islamic Center of Topeka were on hand to distribute them. Volunteer Ron Hasan was among them.

“I love doing this,” Hasan said. “I like helping people.”

The mission of Let’s Help is to break the cycle of poverty. The agency serves an average of 350 meals Monday through Friday and two Saturdays each month. It also distributes 3,600 emergency food boxes each year.

Linda Kehres, executive director of Let’s Help, said partnerships like this one are critical to keeping the agency going.

“Our community partners give generously every year, which allows us to provide needed services to those most vulnerable in our community,” she said. “We are grateful to the Islamic Center of Topeka for their generous gift this holiday season.”