Several central Pennsylvania Muslim communities are joining forces to offer food delivery and counseling services for area residents affected by the global COVID-19 outbreak.

Muslims of Central Pennsylvania member Samia Malik organized counselors, as well as food banks on both sides of the Susquehanna River, after youth members of her congregation suggested the idea.

The younger members are also delivering food, medications and other necessities to those who are sick or elderly, and don’t want to risk catching the novel coronavirus.

Counseling services are available in Arabic, Urdu and English, Malik said.

“We Muslims are an integral and caring part of our community here,” she said. “We need to love and take care of each other, regardless of color, faith, language or borders.”

The Islamic Center of Pennsylvania’s food bank is open every Sunday from 12–2 p.m. in the community room at 5140 Trindle Road in Mechanicsburg. This location offers ethnic non-perishables, in addition to the staples typically available at such programs.

The Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America will offer non-perishable items from 10:30 a.m. to noon on the third Sunday of each month, at 407 N. Front St. in Steelton.

Services can be accessed by calling or texting 717-298-0408 for delivery, or 717-382-8332 for counseling.

“We are stronger together,” Malik said. “This is what our faith teaches us, as all faiths do.”

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