Detroit—Volunteers for a California-based Muslim charity plan to take to the streets in 19 U.S. cities Sept. 29 and 30 to help the homeless during Ramadan.

The annual “Humanitarian Day” coordinated by Islamic Relief is expected to reach an estimated 25,000 needy people over the weekend.

Last year’s volunteers served food and other supplies, as they observed their fast, to over 18,000 homeless and needy people in 14 cities, according to the group.

Gift packages included hygiene and emergency kits, bath towels, clothing, blankets, ponchos and toys for children.

Free HIV/AIDS screenings, flu vaccinations, educational materials and referral information were also provided.

“In 2006, a total of 102 partners scattered across the country assisted volunteer groups,” said Islamic Relief Domestic Projects Manager Clareen Menzies.

“Government entities, community organizations and religious institutions are among the partners for Humanitarian Day,” she said.

The group works continuously to build partnerships with widespread community organizations and expand the aid it provides, according to Islamic Relief spokesperson Mostafa Mahboob.

The organization has locations in 37 countries worldwide, working on a variety of projects related to education, water and sanitation, income generation, orphan support, health and nutrition and emergency relief.

Mahboob said that after Hurricane Katrina, Islamic Relief provided $3.2 million in aid to over 60,000 victims.

This weekend’s efforts are expected to take place in Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Elizabeth-NJ, Fort Thompson-SD, Houston, Kalamazoo-MI, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Seattle, Washington DC.

For more information, visit: www. irw.org.