Annual Islamic Charity Festival Aims to Present Positive Image of Islam

March 22, 2004

Source: The Tampa Tribune

[tampatrib.com/FloridaMetro/MGANL2QZ3SD.html]

On March 22, 2004 The Tampa Tribune reported, "Rhonda Holder walked through the tent picking out clothes for herself and her children, ages 5 months to 5 years. Hanging from a shelf piled with shirts and pants, a flier read, 'With love from Muslim brothers and sisters.' The positive message is what Holder says brings her back each year to the annual Islamic Charity Festival. On Sunday, she was among hundreds who spent the day at Riverfront Park. Nineteen organizations of the Tampa Bay Muslim Alliance set up tents along the bank of the Hillsborough River to give away clothes and toys and provide health screenings. It was the eighth year for the festival, which since Sept. 11 also has become an opportunity for Bay area Muslims to address issues about their faith."