USA: 9/11 Blood drive Saturday at downtown Emporia

“We wanted to honor the victims while also showing that Islam does not stand for terrorism, not for violence. This is one of our efforts to emphasize that Islam is about the teaching of peace, and that we believe in the sanctity of life.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Emporia Gazette
By The Emporia Gazette | September 8, 2011

To honor the memory of the victims of 9/11, an international Muslim organization with local ties will hold a blood drive in downtown Emporia Saturday.

Nila Ahmad, a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, is coordinating the drive to commemorate the anniversary of the terrorist attacks. The community, she said, was founded in 1889 in India and is now spread across 200 countries, with membership exceeding tens of millions. The nationwide blood drive campaign, called “Muslims for Life,” is being held “to honor the sanctity of life and the sacrifice of the 9/11 victims,” she said.

The Ahmadiyya Community is working with the American Red Cross for the blood drive, which will have its mobile unit parked in front of the Genesis Health Club at 1007 Commercial St. from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday.


“We wanted to honor the victims while also showing that Islam does not stand for terrorism, not for violence,” Ahmad said. “This is one of our efforts to emphasize that Islam is about the teaching of peace, and that we believe in the sanctity of life.”

Those interested in donating blood are encouraged to make an appointment, as the mobile unit has limited space. For more information, call (620) 253-6530.

Read original post here: 9/11 Blood drive Saturday