By: Raja Zahid Khanzada
Houston: In a significant display of humanitarian aid, Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD), in collaboration with the Alliance for Disaster Relief (AFDR) and several community organizations, sent two containers of brand-new relief items for Gaza, Palestine. This initiative took place during HHRD’s 3rd Annual Day of Service, celebrated with the participation of prominent figures such as Honorable Congressman Al Green, Pakistan’s Consul General Aftab Chaudhry, and Texas State Representative Dr. Suleman Lalani.
The event, held in conjunction with the United Nations’ World Humanitarian Day, saw an impressive turnout of over 100 community volunteers. Despite the intense heat, they worked together to prepare and load a 40-foot container filled with essential supplies for Gaza. Community leaders, including Saeed Sheikh and Dr. Yaqoob Shaikh from AFDR, former Test Cricketer Jalaluddin, and key HHRD team members, were also present.
Congressman Al Green took the opportunity to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the rebuilding of the region, and the formal establishment of Palestine. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation to bring peace to the region. Consul General Aftab Chaudhry praised the volunteers’ dedication and highlighted Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestine, encouraging continued efforts to help those in need around the world.
The 3rd Annual Day of Service was supported by over 15 community partner organizations and media partners, including AFDR. Due to the overwhelming generosity of the Houston community, HHRD and AFDR were able to gather enough donations to send not one but three containers of brand-new relief items to Jordan, from where they will be transported to Gaza.
World Humanitarian Day is celebrated annually to honor the humanitarian workers who have sacrificed their lives in the service of others, and this year’s efforts in Houston reflected the enduring spirit of compassion and support for the people of Gaza.
