Islamic center, church celebrate Day of Caring

The Annual Day of Caring Pancake Brunch held at sites throughout the Miami Valley and Cincinnati Miami Valley benefits local agencies that combat hunger and homelessness. Masjid An-Nur Mosque and Central Christian Church will be local hosts on Sunday for the 29th year of the event. File photo by Bill Lackey

The Annual Day of Caring Pancake Brunch held at sites throughout the Miami Valley and Cincinnati Miami Valley benefits local agencies that combat hunger and homelessness. Masjid An-Nur Mosque and Central Christian Church will be local hosts on Sunday for the 29th year of the event. File photo by Bill Lackey

A Springfield mosque and church will be among 31 sights in southwest Ohio participating in the 29th Annual Day of Caring 365 Pancake Brunch on Sunday, Feb. 24.

Masjid An-Nur Islamic Community Center, 743 W. Liberty St., and Central Christian Church, 1504 Villa Rd., invite the public to enjoy a meal to support local food banks. The brunch will feature pancakes, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 12-under and seniors.

Central Christian’s breakfast will be 8-10 a.m. and the Islamic center’s will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s the third consecutive year both have participated.

“It’s a unique fundraiser. All the money is returned to the communities the money is raised in and there are no expenses,” said Imam Mustafa Islam of Masjid An-Nur Mosque. “It’s important in the Islamic religion to be charitable, to feed hungry people.”

Pastor Carl Ruby of Central Christian agrees on the event’s goals.

“It’s one of our biggest Sundays of the year. It’s easy to do and a great way to show we care about Springfield,” Ruby said.

Central Christian has invited members of Springfield’s Masjid Al-Madina Mosque to help with its brunch. Afterward, Ruby invites attendees to the 10:30 a.m. service.

Islam and Ruby said the goal is to raise at least $1,000 if not more. The city’s two mosques operate the Mercy Food Pantry at Masjid An-Nur that is open the third Friday of the month. Central Christian will donate its proceeds to Right Path food pantry.

Islam said while the Day of Caring is a great way to help, it’s an ongoing need. “It’s not just one day, it continues. It’s good to be charitable always,” he said.

For information or tickets to the Islamic Center brunch, call 937-360-7624 or for Central Christian’s, call 937-390-2424.

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