ICNA Relief Has Succes With Special Pantry

By: Aamna Aamir  

In August, ICNA Relief established its very first Specialty Pantry in Somerset, NJ. I spoke with Amaney Kazlak to learn more about the Pantry, as she is ICNA Relief’s Northeast Resource Development Coordinator and the individual in-charge of the initiative.  Many of you might have heard of food pantries, but most likely not of “specialty pantries.”
       
The Pantry is open every Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and allows those in need to come in once a month to choose non-food items from the Pantry. It is not limited to Somerset residents and is open to individuals across NJ. Currently, the Pantry is welcoming volunteers who can help operate the Pantry, and stock supplies with the ICNA Relief team. The Specialty Pantry would also appreciate the efforts of any organizations or groups that would be willing to coordinate a Pantry drive.

Originally, Amaney and her team had planned on opening a food pantry, however, things changed when they realized that 20 or more food pantries already existed in the area. Thus, Amaney and her colleagues decided to establish a pantry that could benefit the community in a capacity that was different then the main goals of food pantries. One of the first of its kind in the area, the Pantry, rather than supplying food, supplies goods that are critical for everyday living; such as hygiene products, cleaning products, diapers, and wipes.

When the Pantry first opened, there was an influx of community support, from other food pantries, the Muslim community and beyond. Since it’s grand opening in August, the Pantry has received visits from Pantry users in and outside of Somerset, and even well over an hour away.

Amaney, a former civil engineer, encourages others to get involved in some way or another with volunteer work.  She explained to me how working for a non-profit organization and leading the newly opened Specialty Pantry, offers a fulfillment that very few jobs can provide. An experience Amaney fondly recalled occurred when a Pantry user showed their gratitude by giving Amaney a hug. “These are things you’ll never find in corporate America, true human connection and people that are genuinely grateful for what you do. It’s not the money, you definitely won’t find that here. It’s the people,” she said.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the Specialty Pantry can get in touch with Amaney and her team by emailing us nj@icnarelief.org or by calling them at 732-509-9143. If people are interested in volunteering, they can do so HERE.