Oh, and if you do give clothing - please make sure that the clothing is in good shape. No holes or tears, the people there do not have the time, resources or the energy to mend clothing! The imam at the masjid the other day stated that many people were donating clothing in bad shape and it's not helpful.

Sorry for posting so many times. I hope that helps. :)

please distribute. *

Asalamu'alaikum,

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed in any way to the earthquake relief efforts. May Allah (SWT) bless all of you and your efforts & may He speed the recovery and rehabilitation of the earthquake affected regions.

We are now only collecting monetary donations, medical supplies, and tents, as these are the most urgently needed goods in Pakistan right now. The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati has set up a fund at all 5th/3rd Banks, under the name "Islamic Center Pakistan Earthquake Fund". Please donate generously.

We are also working with NGOs that have arranged a contract from a factory in China that has agreed to ship army tents to Pakistan at a minimal cost. We urgently need people to agree to purchase as many tents as possible. Each tent costs $75, can hold 5-7 people at a time, and is wind, rain, & snow proof. The tents will be ready and delivered within a weeks time. Upon delivery, UNICEF is coordinating the ground efforts to distribute the tents in coordination with the US & Pakistan military. Tents are in extreme shortage & are needed ASAP. Please donate generously to purchase these tents. We will be keeping track of the orders that are placed and received in Pakistan, so please be assured that the process will be legitimate and transparent.

The official order for the tents must be placed within the next 11 hours, so we need to collect as many individual orders for tents as we can within the next few hours.

If you would like to donate money for a tent ($75 per tent), or if you have any further questions, please contact Samar Kaukab (513.252.6124) or Shamila Ahmad (513.774.7843), no later than 9 p.m. tonight (10/19).

The specifications for the tents are as follows:

Army Tent: US$ 75.05/PC
- Fits 5-7 people
- Size:300x270x180cm
- Material: 330g/m2 T/C with PU coating(water-proof,UV-proof,wind-p roof,sand-proof,mildew-proof,keepin g (warmth),glass-fibre pole,bottom is PE.
- N.W: 15kg/pc
- Packing: 2pcs/carton,70X40X42cm/carton
- Load: about 900pcs/40'container, 1x20'container/450pcs


For more information, please contact:

e-mail: [email protected]
Shamila Ahmad: 513-774-7843
Sadaf Wahidi: 513-237-2473
Samar Kaukab: 513-252-6124

I'd like to recommend that you send as much $$ as possible. While clothing is helpful, it is more efficient and cheaper to send money that they can buy whatever they need (tents, food, medicine) in that region. In the past, I have sent clothing only to find out that it the shipping costs outweigh the value of the actual donation.

There is an independent organization that monitors the cost-efficiency of charities. I will try to find the link and post it here. There is a lot of corruption, but I don't think it should stop us from helping people in need. Some organizations are really good and are not corrupt. I sent my money to my local masjid and will send money to either the International Rescue Committee or CARE International. I don't know of any International Islamic charities that are helping with the quake - but I am sure there are many.

Well, what you guys can do is to initiate a clothing drive in your local areas, or community centers.

Any suggestions of agencies to send money to or how to send clothing would be helpful. I want to help, but nowadays it is so rare that your money or contribution actually makes it to the needy is rare.

I agree - whatever you have in mind keep me updated and I will do what ever in my power to help.