The tragedy back east has people in our local community getting involved to lend emotional support.
On the internet homepage of the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno, members have publicized their condolences to everyone in Newtown, CT. Sympathy is extended on their Facebook page as well.
“But then I realized that probably those people who need to receive our message are not going to get it,” said Negin Tahvildary of the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno.
So Negin Tahvildary decided to have everyone design hand-made cards filled with a message of love, hope and comfort. All of them will be mailed to Sandy Hook Elementary on Monday.
“In the Quran, which is our holy book, 5:32 says if you kill one innocent soul it's as though you've killed the whole humanity. This tragedy has really affected all of us and we have them in our prayers,” said Tahvildary.
At the Fresno Airport, we met up with local American Red Cross member Debby Dailey Saturday morning before she caught a flight to Connecticut.
Dailey has a strong background in nursing and teaching, so she will lead an integrated condolence team which will work with survivors of the shooting.
“We try to help support them mentally and physically through this difficult time and it's kind of an honor to go over and do that,” said Debby Dailey of the Central Valley American Red Cross.
Dailey says you at home may feel there's nothing you can do to help the grieving folks of Newtown, but in fact you can, by simply sending some money to the Red Cross.
“It's the ability that you guys give me to go out and help these people with your gracious donations to the Red Cross, so any bit helps,” said Dailey.
The entire community is invited to the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno Sunday, December 16th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. That's when you can make a card or drop off one you already have. The location is 2111 East Nees, which is just east of Maple Ave.