Selfless Acts Of Kindness: Baitulmal, House of Goods

Two Police Chaplains and members of the Islamic Foundation Of Saint Louis got together and started a non-profit organization called Baitulmal, which translates to House Of Good. Only five months into the organization, they have managed to gather thousands of donation, all going to families in need. People from all over Saint Louis volunteer and help sort, deliver and distribute donated items. They feed the homeless regularly, no matter the weather and encourage youth participation. They have had local youth groups, members of local Churches and Mosques lend a helping hand. Their passion is to help others and their hopes are to unite the community and inspire others to open their hearts, donate their time to help, involve the youngest of the community, teaching them to care and getting them off the streets.

Dzemal Bijedic, a Police Chaplain with the Metropolitan Police Department, met a family of refugees who were struggling and took to social media asking for donations in forms of food, clothing, furniture and everything else in between. Immediately, donations started pouring in and that's when Adil Imdad, a Police Chaplain for West Saint Louis and the Islamic Foundation of Greater Saint Louis began lending a hand. They donated funds to rent a space for the donations and Baitulmal was established. Their goal was to help those in need. Their original idea included helping the refugees that have traveled a treacherous road to freedom, only to come and be prosecuted by those who refuse to accept them. Refugees, no matter their religion, have a few things in common with the officers protecting our cities. They both face a harsh reality whether running away from imminent death or running into danger as their job description. This organization sees neither as a threat and vows to help anyone and everyone in need.

Saint Louis has been named one of the top ten cities heavy in crimes. Since the beginning of the year there have been 25 homicides and many more criminal incidences. Organizations like this one focus on helping people and encourage participation of the local youth, helping them get off the streets, show kindness and contribute to the community. From the people that established this organization to the regular volunteers and countless donors, the organization grows and prospers. The tight knit community of more than 75 thousand Bosnian residents knows all too well about how it feels to be a refugee. Most emigrated to US in the early 90's, escaping the 1992 Bosnian War. They have since relocated to many states and Saint Louis is one of the most populated. These people came with nothing and have become modern citizens, business owners, job creators, taxpayers, living the ultimate and sought American Dream.

These selfless acts of kindness show us that there is so much good in the world. That there are people who are willing to sacrifice so much for so many. Organizations like these ask for nothing in return, only encourage others to open their hearts. From the storage warehouse, to the items, to the people to the maintenance of the only vehicle they have for deliveries, everything is given from a kind soul. The local mechanics and tire shops provide freemaintenance for the rusty truck that has served them well and will continue to, thanks to the generosity of the community.

When your heart is open, it does not matter what religion you are, what color your skin is, what your nationality is. This community only sees you as a human being, as a brother, as a sister. In the long run, they will expand, they will gain more attention and local residents believe that they have the power to turn this community around and unify everyone. There has been too much division, too much prejudice, too much hate. The community hopes to inspire others. We have the power to get out youth off the streets, to help those who need it most, to love one another and live in peace side by side.

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