CommonFutureatl

CommonFutureatl

By David Pendered

Aug. 12 – This gallery of smiling faces of parents and children celebrates this year’s annual back-to-school party hosted in Clarkston by the Islamic Circle of North America Relief.

Clarkston Mayor Beverly Burks was in the crowd gathered Aug. 8 for the celebration at Masjid Al Mumineen. Also joining in the festivities were long-time ICNA supporters Nipa and Khurram Baig, of The Baig Firm, a law firm located in Norcross.

Youngsters selected book bags provided by the Islamic Circle of North America Relief. (Credit: ICNA)

The main purpose of this open-door event is to ensure that youngsters have the tools they need to thrive in school – folders, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, notebooks, crayons and glue sticks. Each child who attended was provided a new backpack to carry the supplies. The materials helps those who may be new to the country, and unfamiliar with the DeKalb County school district’s expectation for students to provide their own supplies, or experiencing circumstances where a bit of help can be a big help.

To provide some pure enjoyment for the youngsters, ICNA provided jump houses for safe activities. For those who were allowed, frozen treats were available and ICNA paid for 800 of the snacks.

This year’s event was about the 12th ICNA has hosted in the area as part of its broader efforts to serve those who may be new to the country or experiencing circumstances where a bit of help can be a big help. The nationwide effort is known as ICNA’s #OneNationOneCause Back2School Drive and is conducted in more than 70 cities located in 35 states and Puerto Rico.

Education is power. (Credit: ICNA)
Clarkson Mayor Beverly Burkes (center, blue shirt) participated in the ICNA’s back-to-school party. (Credit: ICNA)
Long-time supporters Nipa and Khurram Baig (center, left, respectively) joined in the celebration. long-time supporters Nipa and Khurram Baig,
Yes, I can. (Credit: ICNA)
Supplies in hand. (Credit: ICNA)
Just right. (Credit: ICNA)
Ready for school. (Credit: ICNA)
Bright futures. (Credit: ICNA)
We’ve got this. (Credit: ICNA)
Abundance to share. (Credit: ICNA)
Friends forever. (Credit: ICNA)