Sunday, October 30, 2005, Belleville News-Democrat
By Falon McCain
Hurricane relief has dominated charitable giving lately, but the Metro East Interfaith Partnership is making progress trying to aid victims of the Pakistan earthquake.
Mohammed Kibria, a member of the Masjid Islamic Center and operator of the Psychiatric Hypnosis Healing Center, established the Pakistan Disaster Relief Fund. "The drive has been going pretty good," Kibria said. "The community is really responding. The victims are really in need of blankets and tents because it's winter over there and snow has started to fall."
The 7.6 earthquake that hit Pakistan on Oct. 8 killed more than 79,000 people and injured 65,308. The quake destroyed entire villages and left other areas heavily damaged. Those who survived are in desperate need of supplies.
Interfaith members will drive relief items to the Pakistan International Airline in Chicago. The airline has agreed to ship the items free of charge. Kibria expects everything to be shipped by Thursday.
Dr. M. Khalid, also a member of the local mosque and a physician at Internal Medicine-Primary Care in O'Fallon, is collecting medicine such as painkillers and antibiotics for the drive. Dr. Khalid has asked for samples from other physicians and plans on contacting drug companies.
Interfaith member the Rev. Doug Cripe of Crossroads Christian Church in Caseyville said the collection at the church is going well. Cripe said the drive may continue after the initial shipment is sent off. "We wanted to get involved because Crossroads has a real strong commitment to interfaith relations," Cripe said.
The interfaith group is collecting blankets, sweaters, scarves, gloves, socks and tents. Items can be dropped off at three locations: Psychiatric Hypnosis Healing Center, 56 S. 65th St., Suite 7A, Belleville, phone 394-9711; The Masjid Islamic Center, 4525 Old Collinsville Road, Swansea, phone 222-9055; and Crossroads Christian Church, 2415 N. 89th St., Caseyville, phone 397-5842. The drive continues through Tuesday.
Contact reporter Falon McCain at fmccain@bnd.com or 239-2655.