DEARBORN — On Monday, November 22, members of the local Arab American community held a Thanksgiving food drive as part of a growing annual tradition.

For the past three years, Tarek Baydoun, who serves as director of community affairs for Michigan State Senator Irma Clark-Coleman, has helped bring together companies and organizations in an effort to assist needy families that have been hit hard by the recent economic crisis.

Community volunteers distribute turkeys and give boxes of food away.

Midamar, a company based in Iowa, has been a partner in the food drive since its inaugural year and provided 40 halal turkeys this year, topping the 25 or so from last year. Midamar, which observes the Islamic halal codes in slaughtering animals and preparing and handling meat, is known for its commitment to  filler-free and hormone-free meats in order to provide healthy and high-quality food to its patrons across the Midwest and beyond.

Eastborn Market in Dearborn also gave generously this year as the well-known produce center provided all the side items needed in making a Thanksgiving dinner complete. Partners who helped find families in need were the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) and the Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC), The ACCESS Saulino Court office in Dearborn and the ACC Warren Rd. office in Detroit.

Clark-Coleman scheduled an early flight home following a trip to Florida and rushed from the airport to attend and greet the families.

This year, the Arab Student Union of the University of Michigan-Dearborn was essential in making sure all the food was picked up, packaged and distributed.

ASU Director of Community Service Zeinab N. Beydoun spoke about the goals of the event.

“We understand the importance of giving back to our community and it is unfortunate to say the least that many families within our neighborhood may go without a dinner this holiday season,” she said.

“That is why I and several other ASU members will work hard and diligently to bring joy and happiness to those families who are going through financial difficulties.”

Mahde Abdallah, the president of the Arab Student Union, also spoke about the importance of giving back during trying times.

 “Many people fail to realize how fortunate they are. After taking part in this food drive, it hit me as to how hard times can affect us all, especially when it hit us close to home, leaving many people struggling to put food on their tables,” he said.

“It’s good to know that companies like Midamar Meats and Eastborn Market continue to donate even though they too have been affected during these hard times.”