Dearborn group Helping Handzzz redirects surplus Ramadan meals

Helping Handzzz, founded by Nadine Daoud in 2017, collects untouched post-iftar meals in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights and distributes them to people experiencing homelessness and families each night during Ramadan.

Helping Handzzz began in 2017 when Dearborn pharmacist Nadine Daoud noticed large amounts of untouched food after family iftars at her grandmother's home. What started as an Instagram post asking for donations quickly grew into an organized volunteer effort during Ramadan. The group now includes roughly 75 to 80 volunteers who collect, sort and package meals each evening. Helping Handzzz also runs a pre-iftar sponsorship program and plans seasonal drives beyond Ramadan. Key details: - Founded in 2017 by Nadine Daoud after observing leftover iftar trays. - Volunteers collect untouched, safely handled food between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. - Team meets in the parking lot of the Islamic Institute of Knowledge at 6345 Schaefer Road to sort and package meals. - From about 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., volunteers assemble to-go containers for people experiencing homelessness and also provide larger trays to families in need. - Remaining food is delivered the same night to the Detroit Rescue Mission to maintain freshness. - Helping Handzzz marks its 10th year with a fundraiser dinner on March 7 at Garden Banquet Hall in Garden City and organizers aim to support recurring family meal programs, Eid pantry boxes, gift cards, and expanded initiatives. Summary: Helping Handzzz has turned surplus Ramadan meals into nightly distributions for people experiencing homelessness and families, and its work has given volunteers a sense of purpose and perspective. The group plans to mark its 10th year with a March 7 fundraiser as part of efforts to sustain and expand its family meal and seasonal programs. Information about donations, sponsorships and the fundraiser is reported as available on the group's Instagram page.