Volunteers from Stanmore Hujjat mosque have been praised for helping to make their local area special.
A group of 50 volunteers of all ages distributed gifts to local residents in the run up to Christmas to build relationships with their community in west London.
They gathered together to wrap Christmas presents at the Hujjat Islamic Centre, putting together gift boxes of Lindt chocolates, Christmas accessories and handwritten cards.
They then went out to hand over the gifts at a local hospital, fire station, health care centres and even door-to-door to more than 100 houses around the neighbourhood.
Reverse trick or treating
Volunteer Mubina Panju said: “The experience left me and my five-year-old son in awe of how lucky we are to live in this amazing community.
“He described it as the opposite of trick or treating – as he gave presents – and wants to do this every year.”
Young volunteers visited A&E, ICU, Paediatrics and the Early Pregnancy ward at Northwick Park Hospital and were invited to explore a fire engine.
Local people showered praise on the group.
Acts of kindness
One message posted on Facebook, said: “I just want to say a big thank you to the youth from the mosque on Wood Lane who dropped by with a present and card this afternoon and wished us a happy Chanukah.
“It was a lovely gesture which we appreciated. The kids left with some chocolates from us to say thank you. It is random acts of kindness that make our area so special.”
Dr Munir Datoo, President of Hujjat Stanmore, said: “The doors of our centre are always open to our neighbours, from all or no faith. We wish to build bridges and continue to be a positive asset to society in London.”