CANDLER, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Zakat Foundation of America, a Chicago-based humanitarian charity, will distribute hot meals, winter clothing and more to families in need at 5 p.m. today, Monday, Dec. 15 at 12 Hilltop Dr. in Candler.

The event is part of the Zakat Foundation’s multi-state effort to meet the needs of low-income areas this winter. The charity has had a regular presence in the Asheville area since September 2024, when Tropical Storm Helene devastated the region.

“We come here every month, and we drive a U-Haul truck with food and different things like baby formula, diapers and different things that they need,” said Nashat Abdelaziz, a community organizer with the Zakat Foundation. “We brought generators, clothing, all kinds of stuff.”

Supplies available for pick-up today are free for any family in need and include:

  • 750 winter kits
  • 5,160 groceries
  • 300 pillows
  • 3,850 hygiene materials
  • 350 hot meals

The Zakat Foundation partnered for with N.C. organization Day One Relief to produce the event.

For more information about the Zakat Foundation of America, visit www.zakat.org.

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