‘Day of Dignity’ Scheduled for Oct. 20 at Douglass Park

Islamic Relief USA will hold its annual Day of Dignity campaign in major cities throughout the country, including one in Lexington with partner, SHARE Kentucky Lexington.

The Day of Dignity campaign consists of a series of events held around the nation to help people who are homeless or from low-income households, among other sociological conditions, gain access to meals, winter coats, hygiene kits and health screenings.

In Lexington, the event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Douglass Park at 726 Georgetown Road.

Islamic Relief USA works with various community organizations throughout the country to help facilitate the events. Attendees can also receive information on finding jobs, housing, addiction recovery and immigration law services among other things.

“SHARE Kentucky is committed to fulfilling the needs of the West End community in Lexington,” said Ratul Ahmed, a coordinator with SHARE Kentucky. “Services include a re-entry program, job fairs & referrals, free clinic, food and clothing banks, free lunches.”

The Day of Dignity campaign puts a spotlight on the effects of income inequality and poverty, which remains a persistent problem in the United States.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 43 million suffer from poverty. The problem could grow worse if recently announced cuts to various social services are enacted by Congress.

Day of Dignity helps provide, at least for a day, relief from the regular hardships that are faced by an impoverished population, regardless of race, creed or nationality.