DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - Front line workers at the VA hospital in Dallas are getting a special delivery today: 1,000 free meals and desserts courtesy of the Dallas Area's Muslim community.
In the past two weeks, the group has made it a goal to serve as many people as possible across DFW.
"Our goal is to come together as a Muslim community and help as many people as we can," said Ruba Kuzbari, one of the group's organizers.
Kuzbari says the effort was launched by Marwan Nafal, a local businessman who wanted to collect 5,000 full face shields for front line workers. While making deliveries, he noticed the need for meals for hospital staff.
He decided to reach out to Kuzbari because of her connections in the Muslim community, as well as Marwan Marouf, the executive director of the Richardson-based Muslim American Society youth center of Dallas-Fort Worth.
The three organizers started talking to business owners in the Muslim community, asking people to help donate and serve. Kuzbari says she contacted local restaurants to see if anyone would be interested in partnering with the group.
"The response was truly amazing," she said. "In less than 24 hours we had 12 restaurants committed."
The Muslim community has served thousands of free meals, N-95 masks and face shields to hospital workers across DFW, including Parkland Memorial Hospital, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Irving and Sunnyvale, Dallas Regional Medical Center in Mesquite and the Mesquite Police Department.
Kuzbari says she's been getting calls every day from people and restaurants asking what they can do to help.
"Just to see everyone coming together-- it's amazing," she said. "To see how everybody wanted to help and respond, it's fantastic. Sometimes, in the worst of times you see the best in people."
Restaurants that are participating in the Muslim Community's donation efforts include:
Afrah
Andalous
Angel Chicken Kitchens
Big Dash
Bilad Bakery
Dimassi's
Fadi's
Greek Fresh Grill
Green Vine
In-Fretta
Jasmine Cafe
Jimmy's Burger and Grill
Ked's Artisan Ice Cream & Treats
New York Bagels & Company
Mama Pita
Oasis International Market
One Hummus
Palio's Pizza
Port of Peri Peri
Sanabels
Sara's Market and Bakery
Sultan Cafe
Yummy Burgers and BBQ
Yummy Pizza Truck
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