The Alaska chapter of the United Muslim Christian Forum (UMCF) membership has extended its community service mission to become volunteers with the American Red Cross in Anchorage, Alaska. Some members are now attending classes, receiving specific training that will allow them to be of valuable assistance in the community in times of crisis. The course, entitled “Client Casework,” which normally takes 9 hours, was condensed into 3 hours, and will equip them to be at the ready, providing emergency services, when needed.
The class began with an introduction of everyone and their purpose for being there. It was well appreciated to find people from all walks of life who share the same humanitarian spirit -nurses, military and emergency workers, and laymen who just felt the need to help, or give back to, the community.
After UMCF member Malika Ahmad shared her experience of being a part of the Muslim social service organization Hand to Hands, as well as volunteering in Texas during Hurricane Katrina, she was given a pin that represented the volunteer work done by the American Red Cross during that same period of time. Pins were also distributed to the other Red Cross Volunteers attending the course.
UMCF is looking forward to working further with the American Red Cross, which has also expressed appreciation for other efforts being promoted by the UMCF chapter in Alaska.