I'll admit: I almost regretted it. You would too if you had to be up at 7AM on a Saturday morning for work.  What was I thinking to schedule a service project so early in the AM?

It wasn't long before my spirits rose - I was greeting by three car fulls of smiling ready-to-work-hard volunteers.  And what a diverse group it was! South Asian, African American, Muslim, Hindu, Christian - all coming together for the common cause of helping those in need.  This was definitely worth the early rising.

Every month, the New Jersey SAALT Circle conducts a community service project - last month, we helped pack lunches and grocery bags for a food pantry.  This month, we worked in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity of Hudson County to assist in the building of two homes in Jersey City.  When we first showed up at the build, the site coordinator was so overwhelmed by how many of us came, he almost turned us away!  But he soon had a change of heart and we were all put to work.  We sanded down walls. We painted ceilings. We primed walls.  We swept away piles of dust and debris (If you're looking to tone those arms, forget the gym - sign up for a habitat build and you'll be in shape in no time!).  There's something so satisfying about working with your hands and actually being able to see the impact of your hard work.  It was a great experience - and although it was most certainly a physically challenging activity, I'm pretty sure that we all came away with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Thanks to all that dedicated their Saturday to service - we truly appreciated your hard work, and look forward to having you help out in upcoming service projects!



If you'd like to get involved with the New Jersey SAALT Circle, email me at qudsia@saalt.org or call (201) 850-3333.