Facebook friends in Willmar have been wondered how to help the families of Idris M. Hussein, age 10 and Ahmed Sahane Hashi, age 11, who tragically drowned in Foot Lake yesterday. Following Islamic funeral practices, the boys' funeral and burial is today.
A Somali-American community member is sharing the following message for those who want to help the families. Like many families faced with the sudden death of a child, these are expenses that are unanticipated. Here's how to help the families:
Abdullahi Khalif Olow We have agreed to put a donation box at Ainu Shams Inc Store here in Downtown located at 222 SW 4th ST Willmar, MN 56201. Abdullahi Omar, the owner of the store who is also coordinating the burial will be the contact person and his phone number is 612-298-6330. Anyone wanting to bring it to me will be okay too and I will deliver it to him.
Thanks again for all the well wishers who have been on standby to help the grieving families at moment of great need. Our financial and spiritual support to the families will be a blessing!
Olow mentions that well wishers have been on standby. Many non-Somali-American residents have wanted to help the families, but have been culturally sensitive about how to help, especially since it's Ramadan.
UPDATE: Willmar civic activist Jessica Rohloff* writes on her Facebook page:
Another fund is being set up for the families of the boys. It will be administrated by the ELCA Lakeland Conference. Checks can be made to "Lakeland Conference" with Hussein-Hashi Funeral in the memo line. They can be dropped off at Bremer Bank, any ELCA church or sent directly to Lakeland Conference PO Box 1513, Willmar, MN 56201. The fund will remain active through July 31st. At that time the funds will be distributed equally between the two families through the mothers of the children. I will research how this can be done electronically for those who don't want to send a check. Thank you for all of your support. On a personal note, the families are extremely grateful for the support that has already been shown by the turn out at the graveside service.
She also notes in a separate post:
Laid to rest two children today. The community came together for which I am grateful to God. Here is one thought shared at the service that will stick with me forever. Everyone in this world is on loan from God. We should treat each other accordingly.
Amen to that [end update]
Learn more about the tragedy at the Star Tribune and West Central Tribune.
*In April, Rohloff concluded a two-year stint as president of the local chapter of the League of Women Voters, but continues to be active in Willmar's civic culture.
Photo: Idris Hussein and Ahmed Hashi. Via the West Central Tribune.
Bluestem Prairie is conducting its summer fundraising drive, but we hope readers of this post will help out the victims' families.
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