Outside the entrance of Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi (MTO) Shahmaghsoudi School of Islamic Sufism in Reseda, staff arranged three large neatly-stacked piles of brand-new essential goods – from blankets and diapers to toothpaste and canned goods – on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which many celebrate as a day of service.
Dozens of community members and school staff welcomed Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, along with a representative from the office of LA Mayor Karen Bass, for MTO’s donation distribution day to support individuals impacted by LA’s wildfires.
“On this Martin Luther King Jr. [Day of Service], I’m reminded that Martin Luther King Jr. said that anyone can be great, because everyone can serve,” said Blumenfield. “I think MTO really takes that sentiment from Dr. King not only seriously, but you really bring it to life, and I’m very grateful to MTO for doing that, [because] these fires have just been devastating … and in this time, we get to see the best in people – folks like yourselves coming together and it’s inspiring.”
Payam Ayazi, spokesperson for MTO School, said the school – which he described as a learning center that is open to all ages and faith traditions – is routinely involved in various interfaith events and charitable projects, which he said is aligned with the teachings of Islamic Sufism.
“After the devastating wildfires that everyone in this county has experienced, MTO wanted to do our part to help those in need,” explained Ayazi, adding that the Jan. 20 donation day is the second phase of the school’s charitable efforts in response to the destructive wildfires.
“Last week we donated 1,000 items to the YMCA of West Valley [in Reseda], and today we have about 10,000 items” – which will be divided between the same YMCA location, Hope the Mission and the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry, said Ayazi, noting that the donation items were selected based on the specific needs of each agency to support wildfire victims.
Rev. Dr. Louise Goben, president of the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry, said the donations will help support people indirectly affected by the wildfires, such as service workers.
“The people who we serve are not necessarily the homeowners [who lost houses], but the people who cleaned those homes. It’s the people that do the pool service … and the gardeners and other folks that are already on the edge economically,” said Goben. “Some of these folks are not going to be working or their livelihood is in peril, and we have to be prepared to step up and provide what they need. … So I want to thank you [for] providing the simple everyday things they need.”