The 99 Orphans program is one of the greatest programs that I have had the pleasure to be involved in. Since I have joined this team last fall, I have been able to positively impact my community in so many different ways. I was able to help out in the game/ family night fundraisers we held, help make food to raise money for different kids, and overall develop crucial leadership skills that can help me in my everyday life. From the day I went to the Award ceremony last season and watched all these kids coming up and describing their experiences, I knew I wanted to get involved in this program in some way, shape, or form. At that Awards ceremony, the impact this foundation had on the surrounding community became apparent, as even kids who this program was created for talked about the great opportunities this program gave them.

Sincerely,
Ali Ahmed

Why I Joined the 99 Orphans Team

AssalamuAlaikum. My name is Towfiq Aziz and I am a new member of the 99 Orphan Team. I joined because I was inspired by 3 things. First, the trophy ceremony back in 2017. I feel like it would be an honor to help the needy. Secondly, I always ask myself, "What if I was the orphan in this situation? How would I feel if I had no parents and no money to help myself?". Finally, my last inspiration was from the Quran. From Juz number 30, Surah number 89, Surah Al-Fajr, verse 17 and 18. Allah (SWT) says (17)"No! But you do not honor the orphan,"(18)"And do not encourage one another to feed the needy." I feel like if I don't help, there will surely be a punishment since I know the current situation. That goes for anyone else who knows the current  situation too. You can help too if you are not already by donating even a dollar, even a penny to the needy! We all can help by making a simple Dua to help the needy! I hope I inspired somebody by reading this. AssalamuAlaikum.

Giving Back

Giving Back
By Nadya Mehasanewala

Everyday, millions of lives are lost
But it's the family and friends that pay the cost
Especially the children of those who are gone
Have to suffer the pain from dusk till dawn

But at night is the time where conditions are the worst
And they have to bear the feeling of hunger and thirst
While we're in our homes, safe and sound
We don't stop and think about those around

What this world is becoming is quite insane
Where everywhere we look, there is hunger and pain
But we can change this world by giving back
To those with experiences that luckily we lack

Donating $2 helps an orphan for a day
Keeping poverty and hunger for that orphan away
It's the little things we do that make a big change
Causing people's lives to rearrange

So donate to help an orphan out
And see what giving back is all about

How I'm Helping Out the Team

Assalam Alaikum,
My name is Asiya Ahmed and I am a member of the 99 orphans team. My sister's friend told her about the team and on the first meeting she went to, I decided to come along. At first I had no idea what the purpose or meaning of this program was, or what events they were planning. When they went around the room asking for ideas of a money-raising event, my friends had suggestions like a "bake sale" or a "lemonade stand". I had nothing, though, so we moved on. Soon I started brainstorming, and learned that even if the ideas aren't my own, I can still help out by helping, for example at the ice cream social: I helped clean up, I helped by buying food (:-p), I helped my friends chop strawberries - and even though we could be sitting and watching TV or playing games with friends every Sunday, I think it's great that we are all gathered here, getting volunteering hours and helping out.

What is 99 Orphans All About!

Salaams, my name is Zain and this is my second year working with the 99 orphans program. I enjoy helping make a positive impact on the community around me, so when I heard about this team and their mission, I couldn't say no. It is statistically evident that in North Carolina, specifically Wake County, the number of orphans and foster children continue to grow at a steady pace. To help make an impact in this area, we as a team conducted numerous clothing drives in order to collect all types of clothing for foster children in Wake County. For the orphans, our team conducted numerous charitable events including tea parties and and iftaars in the past. In 2017 we were able to reach our goal of 99 sponsoring 99 orphans and we hope to accomplish the same in 2018. To get things going, our team decided to host a 99 orphans spring fest through which we would be able to gain funds to support orphans across the globe. The event would attract many muslims in the community through the great variety of food as well as the many different activities for the children. I'm very excited for the event and I believe this will help us raise enough funds for a handful of orphans. Can't wait to see all of you guys there!

Join Us At Spring Fest

Salam, my name is Radeyah and i joined 99 orphans team last year. It has been an overwhelming and exciting experience and we were able to reach our target. I can't wait for this year to kick off !  Our first fundraiser for this year will be our spring fest on March 18th at Apex Mosque. We are actively planning fun activities and are looking forward to seeing you all at the fest. Your participation means a lot, it not only gives gives you an opportunity to have fun but also be able to change someone's life. All the money that is raised will go towards sponsoring orphans. It takes $600 a year to sponsor an orphan, please participate and donate and be part of our team. 

Why be a Part of the 99 Orphans Project?

Salam,

My name is Furkan.  I am a 17 year old senior in high school and I have been part of the 99-orphans team since it was founded four years ago in Delaware in 2014.  There are several reasons why I have been and continue to have an active role on this team.  First of all, a critical part of my religion is to help those less fortunate than myself, namely orphans.  There are countless hadiths and ayahs about the immense rewards of helping orphans.  Secondly out of all the extracurricular and volunteering I have done in high school none have had as much of an impact as this project.  Few endeavors beat changing the life of orphans by just spending a few hours of my free time each week.  Lastly, as a Muslim American I feel I have a responsibility to paint Islam in a positive light and make a difference in my local community.  A big part of the 99 orphans project is helping foster kids right here in NC and that is definitely something I love doing.

No Place To Call Home

No Place To Call Home
By: Fatima Feisal

Millions of kids are homeless worldwide
Shivering in the cruel, dark outside
no blankets or heat
hearts struggling to beat
eyes swollen from tears they've cried

We curl up in comfy, warm beds
clothes from our toes to our heads
someone to hug and kiss
the epitome of bliss
Ignoring the kids whose lives are in shreds

People suffer while we laugh and enjoy
surrounded by gifts and a surplus of toys
why not donate and give
to help someone live
provide a home to orphaned girls and boys

Orphans

Assalamo Alaikum, my name is Ayesha Feisal. Did you know it is estimated that 140 million children are orphans? Well, it's a true fact. You can help all those orphans live a happy life. By even donating 1 dollar could make a difference. You can help these orphans today! 

                                                                      
                                                                      Thank you

Foster Parent Exposition

Foster Parent Expo at the Wake County Orphan & Foster Kid Centre

Assalamualykum my name is Khizr Kazmi, and I have been a member of the 99 Orphans

team for a very long time and have been going to many of the team events. Recently I volunteered at the Foster Kid expo, where parents who have adopted a foster kid, and their friends were invited to learn about existing foster kids available for adoption. They also had vending tables for foster parents businesses, this helped the publicity and popularity of businesses ran by foster parents. Overall this was a successful event, so much that Channel 5 news came to this event, and was sponsored by Panera Bread. At this event we distributed lunch to foster parents, this gave us the opportunity to meet new people, and we gave them free lunch, as it would for everyone, it made them happy

Sponsoring Orphans

Assalam walaikum. My name is Mariam, and I joined 99 Orphans team somewhere around the middle of last year. According to some estimates, 42,000 children are orphaned per day. Especially parts of the world riddled by poverty, wars, disease, and disasters leave scores of kids without parents. Anyone who has what they don’t should recognizes our responsibility to the orphan children of the world. The 99 Orphans team does exactly that. The team is impressive, especially in how they plan and execute events, fitting as many as possible into one year. The goal is to sponsor 99 orphans each year, to raise $600 for each orphan. Sponsoring an orphan is one of the best ways to help them if adoption/fostering is not an option; child sponsorships mostly include things like food, medical care, shelter, and school fees. The school fees are very important, because getting orphans into some sort of education is important, so at the very least they should learn an art or skill in order to be self-sufficient. Sponsoring an orphan can completely transform their life, and is the most efficient way to help them.

Spring Fest

Assalamu Alaikum, I am Fatima Feisal and I've been a member of 99 Orphans for 2 years. On March 18th, we are hosting a Spring Fest in the afternoon to raise money to help and sustain numerous orphans, hence the name of our organization. Come enjoy a variety of events and activities, like henna, cupcake decorating, and much more. I will be working the cupcake table so please come express your creativity with icing and sprinkles! Support our organization by having fun at our event and I hope to see you there!

What are you doing on March 18th?

Assalam o alaikum. My name is Maaz Kazmi and I am part of the 99 Orphans project team. This year, we have planned Spring Festival on March 18th at the Apex Mosque from 3 to 7 pm.It would be a big help to orphans if you join us at the spring festival. We will have smoothies,  squishies and so much more. There will be fun activities for all ages and there will also be yummy food  too. Thank you for reading and please remember that your contribution can help save an orphan’s life. I look forward to see you there!

What We Do! By: Eesa Rashid

Plight of the Syrian Orphans

Assalamualaikum. My name is Zaina Taha and I am a member of the 99 Orphans Team. I read the book Refugee by Alan Gratz - now my favourite book - which describes the sad story of a Syrian refugee, Mahmoud. This got me really interested in the Syrian conflict and I researched about it. I feel terrible for the countless children who have lost one or both parents, so I decided to do my blog about it. In Syria, a lot of kids are becoming  orphans because of the devastation caused by the war. Six million people have left their homes to find safety elsewhere in Syria. The children cannot go to school anymore because either the schools have been destroyed or they lack education personnel. Their houses are destroyed and a lot of them have to live in camps in deplorable conditions. They don’t get to eat much because of the food scarcity. Chronic malnutrition makes them fragile and susceptible to a variety of diseases and illnesses. We should pray and donate to help these and other orphans around the world who are facing extremely difficult circumstances. May Allah make it easy for them and accept our efforts. Jazakallah Khairun.

My Goal

Assalamualykum my name is Aurindom and I have been a 99 orphans member for two years now but last year I wasn't as active as a could have been so during the end of the year I started to come to the Sunday meetings and going to the events, but that's not enough. So this year I plan on volunteering during every event possible, inshaAllah.

Praying Together

Assalamualikum my name is Aupurbo. Someone once told me a hadith that if you prayed alone you earned 10 hasanat, but if you prayed together you earn 270 hasanat so praying together is better.

Aadil Mehasanewala

     ASAK, my name is Aadil Mehasanewala, I am new this year to the 99 orphans team. I hope to learn and achieve various goals throughout this process. I love the work that is being done to help orphans as it is sunnah and our beloved prophet (PBUH) was an orphan himself. For many years I have been involved in various community activities but none like this. To give care and support to orphans is an amazing thing to do. I wish to work with our team to make a better example of who muslims are. When people see the work that we do, their perspective will hopefully change. I am grateful for this opportunity.

Anzar's Very Own Thought about Orphan99

Assalamualaikum. My name is Anzar. I am 5 years old and I go to Yellow Bears and I am the part of Orphan 99. People who done have mommy or daddy he will be sad and if I give them money they will be very very very very very happy.If I Have money I can give them some books and toys. By selling some cokieeees... 

Ronald McDonald House

Assalamualaikum, My name is Afif Rahman and I am a member of the 99Orphans. Our goal is to provide 99 orphans with good food, clean clothes, shelter, and education by organizing fundraisers. In addition to fundraisers, we also help those who are in need. One of the events that we have volunteered is at the Ronald McDonald House. Our goal is to cook delicious meals to comfort families residing there who have sick children in the hospital. This helps families who are away from their home by supporting them during their hard times.

The Greek Cuisine Night

Hello. My name is Yusuf, and I have been working with the team for quite a while now. Recently, we had our long-anticipated Greek cuisine night! The owners, who generously allow us to use their restaurant for our meetings, collaborated with us for a fundraiser. The food was spectacular - the gyros, in particular, were incredibly well done. I got to spend time with many friends and family while knowing that the proceeds would help orphans around the world. It was a fantastic time!

Why we should help Orphans

           
             Assalamualaikum, my name is Rohaan Mahmood. I have recently joined the 99 Orphans Team. Everyday around the world there is a child aching for help. It hurts to see orphans all alone and this why I want to help them. Without the help of ours, these orphans would die and would not be able to survive on their own. We can plan events to raise money for orphans to make sure they have all their necessities such as clothes, food, and shelter. There is a purpose for these orphans being on Earth and we can accomplish this purpose by working together.

Who are orphans?

Assalamualaikum My name is Shahzayb Rashid and I have been part of the 99 orphans team for a while and I want to explain why I am part of the 99 orphans team and who orphans are. Who are orphans? Orphans are kids that don't have a parent or guardian to care for them. These kids have no place to go so they stay in shelters. We help these orphans so they feel like there is help for them. The 99 orphans team raises money for the orphans by doing different events and fundraisers. We don't only look out for the orphans in other countries but we also help out the foster kids in our area. The last event that we had we gave some of the clothing that we received to the foster care center of wake county.

Supporting Orphans, Great Form of Charity!

Assalamualykum, my name Iman Mahmood. I have recently joined the 99 Orphans Team. Charity is preached in every religion and it is the way of bringing equity to the society. Islam has made charity 

voluntary that is binding us all in one who can embrace the faith. Charity is considered a Sunnah in Islam, which was preached and taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) values those who have looked after an orphan. There is a Hadith quoted from Sahih al- Bukhari, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,"The one who cares for an orphan and myself will be together in Paradise like this," and he held his two fingers together to illustrate it. This gives many Muslims the opportunity to support and care, till this day many orphans around the world are being sponsored and supported by different families and individuals. Sacrificing needs no matter how small it is, for the sake of helping them in need is a tremendous amount of blessings. According to the Qur'an, (Al-Qur'an Al-Baqarah 2.110): "And establish prayer and giving charity, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah (SWT). Indeed, Allah (SWT) of what you do is seeing." Many people have done righteous, moral actions such as giving charity and helping people out. For example, Abdul Sattar Edhi was a famous philanthropist who runs the most extensive ambulance network and runs many homeless shelters and orphanages in Pakistan. May Allah (SWT) give us all the opportunity to follow our beloved Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Sunnah. Alhamdulillah! I am very grateful that this organization is giving me the opportunity. 

Greek Cuisine Family Dinner

Assalamualykum, My name is Yusuf. I have been a member of the 99 Orphans team for a very long time and have been going to many of the teams events. Last Friday, February 16, we had a family dinner at Greek Cuisine. This was a great event where many families came and ordered halal food from the restaurant. What made the food even better was that a percentage of the money spent was given towards the 99 Orphans Project. Alhamdulliah, we made $170 which completed our 23 orphan. I look forward to participating to raising more money for this amazing cause. 

Why I volunteer for 99 Orphans!

Assalamualykum I am Sherjeel Rashid. I have been volunteering for 99 Orphans for about 5-6 months now. In the beginning, I used to just volunteer with no meaning just to get as many hours as I could for school. This was not the right approach because in my head I would be showing up to meetings and events, not interacting with people and would be bored most of the time. My mom had to drag me to these meetings and events, then one day she had enough of me, sat me down and we talked. She told me the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said he who takes care of orphans will be very very close to me in the afterlife. Then went on to say Alhumdulilah our family is well off but many other people in the world don't have the leisure we do. This short talk touched me, it made me think. I thought about how I would feel if I didn't have parents, money, clothes, and even food. This left me shook. That day we had a event called the Ice cream Social where we were at the mosque setting up different stands for ice cream, sundaes, and milkshakes. I went into this event with and open mind and a full heart. When I walked in, I saw the smiles on everyones faces; people working for one goal, to make the customers happy and to raise money for the orphans. I could not help but feel joy when I saw how dedicated the parents were, and how kids of all ages were helping out. With all of this going on I made good conversation with many people and did not get bored for even a second. After this day I realized why people volunteer, seeing the joy and accomplishment in peoples faces after raising money for orphans who need books, food, shelter and clothing. Volunteering has made a huge impact on my life and how I view things, I hope it can do the same for many more people.

How an Orphans life really is?

Most people when asked about an orphan either think about a kid without parents or something related to a movie. But there is way more to being an orphan. Kids wake up and there parents help them get ready for school but, for an orphan he has to learn to be self-dependent which could be a good thing except it could also mean that they are feel lonely and have difficulty trusting people. Also being an orphan traumatizes you for most of your life. Scientist have prove that orphans have good survival skills but that means that they don't have good family skills. That is why I want to help raise money for orphans so that they can have a better life.

Hadith about Orphans

My name is Aupurbo Jyoti. The prophet Muhammad ( SAW ) said once, if someone rubbed his or her

hand against a orphan's hair, the person would get 1 hasanat every single hair the orphan's head has.

My Favorite Event of 99 Orphans

My Favorite 99 Orphans Event

    Assalamualaikum, my name is Nabiha. I always enjoy the 99 orphan team's activities.  There have been many fun events in 2017 the ice cream social has still been my favorite event. It was very fun as my friend and I cut delicious strawberries for a topping on the ice cream. We also helped in making milkshakes and setting up. Even though doing all this was very fun it was tiring but I knew that this would help the orphans. This event was very fun and I am very happy that I contributed in helping the orphans.

The importance of helping orphans

Asalamualaikum, my name is Hasan Khan. Helping people is always important, especially helping people in need. Orphans are people who need help. They have lost the love of their parents. Some orphans barely have enough food to live. Others are going through hardships and calamities that no one should go through. Alhamdulilah, I have my parents to depend on, but the orphans cannot depend on anyone. They cant depend on anyone for food, clean clothes, or other stuff that I can depend on my parents for. So I want to help these orphans have a life that I believe every person should have. That's why I joined the 99 Orphans group, and participate in raising money for the orphans.

Why Do I Help Orphans?

     Assalamualaikum, I am Nasi Rahman. Why do I want to help orphans when I already have my own parents? Why do I spend 2-4 hours a week helping orphans when I can play basketball? Why do I need to go out of my way to help orphans? I help orphans because I believe every child should have a happy childhood. They should be able to grow up in a loving and caring environment. Every child deserves education no matter what. Without education you cannot succeed in life. I have been in the 99 orphans program since 2017. I have deeply enjoyed helping others and thinking of creative activities we can do to raise more money and awareness of orphans in need. I have enjoyed many events through the 99 orphans program such as family nights, ice cream socials, and making squishies. I have enjoyed helping orphans and I hope you want to help us take care of orphans too!

  Empathy

By: Haleema Sadiya

Why am I here?

Assalam Alaikum. There are many reasons to this: Volunteering hours, getting out of the house, helping others, getting good deeds, meeting new people. These are all reasons why I’m here but one of the main reasons is: Empathy. Helping others. Helping others doesn't just make another person's day get better but it also has an effect on you. You get good deeds, you get that feeling “One more good deed accomplished today”! You become a better muslim.

These are all results of empathy. If you want to know how any of this has to do with our 99 Orphans project here are a few reasons. Empathy means helping others, we take others orphans. Empathy makes another person's day get better, we make orphans happier and healthier. Empathy puts that good mood effect on you, helping orphans does that to. Empathy makes you a better muslim and a better person, Our program does that to. These are all reasons why you should come here and: Why I’m here.

99 Orphans Team Update from Zahi Shaikh

Assalamu’alaikum, my name is Zahi Shaikh! I have been in the 99 Orphans team since 2017. The team holds a variety of activities from a Spring Fest to Family Game Night. We need to raise money for 99 Orphans. To do this, when you come to these gathering's and donate to the 99 Orphans Team we become a step closer to housing 99 orphans. The Prophet (SAW) said, "And come not near to the orphan's property, except to improve it,' and 'Verily, those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans". This shows how much the Prophet (SAW) cared for orphans. In our last meeting, we had a gathering. Greek Cuisine sponsored this event. The way money was raised is that whenever someone bought food, part of the proceeds went towards helping the orphans. People could also voluntarily donate money.

Assalamu’alaikum, my name is Aadil Mohammed! I am a newcomer to 99 Orphans this year. The reason I joined 99 Orphans was because I wanted to make a difference in the community by helping kids who were less fortunate than me. After seeing the plight of refugees from other countries last year, I felt a nagging sense to do something to improve the lives of the poor and needy. I was really impressed by the work the 99 Orphans team did last year, and the events that they organized. Read this inspirational story below. It shows that even if we can’t help the whole world, we can at least make an impact by helping the few people we can.

Announcements:

• Please come out and support foster children by buying lunch or dinner at Greek Cuisine

on February 16th. A portion of the proceeds will go to 99 Orphans. You can also donate items

like pajamas, blankets, and socks which will help foster children in the community.

• 99 Orphans will be hosting a Spring Fest on Sunday, March 18 at Apex Mosque. It will

be from 3-6 pm, and will feature a wide array of fun stations with food and games. If you buy

tickets early, you will get 15 tickets for an entrance fee of $10. On the day of the event, only 10

tickets will be given for an entrance fee of $10, so get the Early Bird Special now! Tickets can be

used to buy food or play games, all while helping orphans!

Foster Parenting Expo

Assalamualaikum everyone,

Yesterday, we helped out at Foster Parenting Expo. The 2018 Foster Parent Business and Recruitment Expo was a great opportunity for everyone to learn about becoming a foster parent. We served lunch for foster parents and children, which was very fun. We packed up and handed out lunches for everyone, and put a smile on everyone’s faces. It was great meeting new people and lighting up their day!

Spring Fest! 🍕🎮🏈🎉🎪🎈

Attention: The date has changed to the 18th from the 4th.

99 Orphans is hosting the Orphan Spring Fest on Sunday, March 18 at Apex Mosque. Buy food and participate in all sorts of activities for all age groups from making "squishes" to video game contests. All proceeds will go to the 99 orphans team to help orphans around the world. 

We had a great time last year and we look forward to seeing you again.

- 99 Orphans Team

Tickets 

With your $10 entrance fee purchase, you will get 15 tickets. You can use your tickets to buy scrumptious food items, get your henna done, or play games.On the day of the event, $10 will give you 10 tickets, so get the early bird special.

To buy tickets go to eventbrite.com/e/spring-fair-to-benefit-orphans-tickets-42749631298

Reminder: 99 Orphans Donation Drive @ Greek Cuisine

As you probably already know, The 99 Orphan Team is running a donation drive on the 16th for foster children and orphans.

There are Two Ways you can help,

1. Eat at Greek Cuisine and a portion of the proceeds will go to 99 Orphans.
2. Bring some of the items listed on the poster below to donate to foster families and orphans.  

We look forward to seeing you next Friday!! 😃

Make Your Own Comfort Squishy at the Spring Fest!

Assalamualaikum! At the spring fest on March 4th my friends and I will show people how to make your own comfort squishy! Squishies are comforting and fun things to collect. The cost will be 5 dollars per squishy. You will have two choices, a panda or a donut.  At the spring fest, not only will it be fun, but it makes me feel really happy because I am helping orphans!

Come to Greek Cuisine on Friday, February 16!

Support us by coming to Greek Cuisine on February 16 to buy a meal as part of the proceeds will be going to orphans! Please drop off any of the following on this date if you are interested in helping the foster children of Wake County:

• Bibs
• Onesies
• Blankets
• Pajamas
• Undergarments
• Socks

The 99 Orphan Team is looking forward to seeing you next Friday!!