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The Ansar Volunteer Program
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: ANSAR KICKOFF RALLY JULY 17TH, 2004. VIEW DETAILS!
Our Mission
Who is an "Ansar"?
The MILA Food Pantry
The MILA Kitchen
Volunteers
Volunteer Activities
How Can I Become A Volunteer?
Register Online
Our Mission
To serve the homeless, underprivileged, dispossessed and working poor in the Denver Metro area.
Every day, one quarter of the food produced in restaurants, businesses, and our own homes is left to go to waste. And yet, in Denver alone, thousands of men and women go without food every day. We aim: to combat waste and hunger.
The Ansar through a network of local human service agencies distributes food to those in need: the working poor, the homeless, the unemployed, the physically and mentally disabled, and children, seniors and adolescents at risk.
Click Here to Register to become a Volunteer.
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Who is An "Ansar"?
"Ansar" (helper) takes us back to the city of Madinah and a group of remarkable individuals of early Islamic history. These people of this blessed city who accepted Islam and opened their homes, wealth, families, and most importantly, their hearts, to fellow Muslims in need, the Muhajirs (immigrants).
Muhajirs were Muslims who had left their homes, livelihoods and in many cases, their families in the city of Makkah, for the sake of Allah and migrated to Madinah after enduring extreme suffering and hardship simply because they had chosen Islam over the polytheism of their ancestors.
The Muhajirs were homeless and penniless in Madinah. They needed help. They became the Ansars (helpers) of their Muhajir brothers and sisters in faith. The Ansar are mentioned in the Quran:-
"And of those who led the way-the first of the Emigrants (Muhajirun) and the Helpers (Ansar), and those who followed them in the best possible manner-Allah is well-pleased with them and they are well-pleased with Allah. He has prepared for them Gardens beneath which rivers flow; therein they will abide for ever. That is the supreme triumph (Quran 9:100).
"Surely Allah has relented towards the Prophet, and towards the Muhajirun (Emigrants) and the Ansar (Helpers) who stood by him in the hour of distress when the hearts of a party of them had well-nigh swerved. (But when they gave up swerving from the right course and followed the Prophet) Allah relented towards them. Surely to them He is most Tender, Most Merciful" (Quran 9:117).
The disciples of Jesus peace and blessings be upon him, are also referred to as the Ansar. When He perceived their leaning towards unbelief, he asked:-
Who will be my helpers in the way of God?' The disciples said: We are the helpers of God. We believe in Allah, and be our witness that we have submitted ourselves exclusively to God. Our Lord! We believe in the commandment You have revealed and we obey the Messenger; make us, then, one of those who bear witness (to the Truth)' (3:52-53).
These Ansar were also Muslims:"And when I (Allah) put in the hearts of the disciples (of Jesus) to believe in Me and My Messenger, they said: We believe. And bear witness that we are Muslims'" (Quran 5:111).
The MILA Ansar program is designed to create an all volunteer group of Muslims (Ansars) to serve the neediest in our community. It will be the vanguard group that will serve in the Ansar Kitchen. In the highest tradition of Islam The Ansar will seek to foster self sacrifice and a spirit of volunteerism that is so fundamental to our Deen.
Click Here to Register to become a Volunteer.
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The MILA Mobile Food Pantry
Our van is stocked with food and driven to designated sites such as low-income neighborhoods or community housing projects, where bags of groceries are given away to designated needy families. A typical bag may include fresh produce, canned food, rice, pasta, cereal, bread or juice. As the government makes cuts in other programs, this food is becoming more crucial.
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The MILA Kitchen
The MILA Kitchen will be a full service soup kitchen and served by the Ansar volunteers. It is currently under development and will be operational in the fall of 2004 insha Allah.
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Volunteers
Volunteers are an integral part of the success of the Ansar program in its mission of "Fighting Hunger and Feeding Hope".
Families, singles, men, women, seniors and retirees, teenagers, homemakers, corporate employees, youth groups, entrepreneurs, professionals, college and high school kids, everyone is welcome to participate. We always need more volunteers. So please consider us when seeking a fun, productive activity for your family, group or just yourself and friends!
MILA is committed to recognizing and rewarding volunteers. Monthly and annual awards, lunches, t-shirts, coupons and other gifts are a tangible way of saying thank-you to these volunteers whose dedication we hold in high esteem.
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, and need to come dressed in clothes appropriate for warehouse work - including close-toed, comfortable shoes. We hope by donating your time you will assist us in fulfilling our duty to the less fortunate in the community.
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Volunteer Activities
Click Here to Register to become a Volunteer.
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FOOD RECOVERY: | Volunteers help recover (pickup) food from designated homes, agencies and businesses. Sorting, sanitizing, inspecting and boxing food and non-food products, light cleaning. |
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FOOD STORAGE: | Restocking food, snacks and beverages. Tidying storage area. |
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FOOD PREPARATION: | Rescued food is formulated into nutritious wholesome meals. |
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DISTRIBUTION: | Filling orders, checking orders,repacking food products, sorting food and non-food product, light cleaning . |
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OFFICE: | Computer data input, filing, assisting with mailings, preparing information packets. |
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NEWSLETTER: | Assist in publishing quarterly newsletter. Write articles or help with the design or layout. |
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SPECIAL PROJECTS: | Volunteers available for one-time events, such as fundraisers food drives etc. |
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IT: | Maintain website and data base of volunteers and clients, responding to emails and internet inquires. |
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How Can I Become A Volunteer?
Please fill the Volunteer Registration Form or go on line or call Ansar at (303) 683-9176. You can also contact us through email at
milacolorado@hotmail.com.
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