Zakat Foundation to distribute rice and winter kits across the Midwest before Thanksgiving

Zakat Foundation of America will hand out more than 5,000 pounds of rice and winter kits across Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin from Nov. 21 to Nov. 28, 2026. The effort is aimed at helping families put food on the table and stay warm as Thanksgiving and colder weather approach.

Why it matters: - The giveaway targets underserved Midwest communities heading into Thanksgiving, when food costs and cold weather can hit hardest. - The distribution pairs staple food with winter supplies, addressing both immediate hunger and seasonal needs. - The effort spans multiple states and local partners, extending reach beyond a single neighborhood event.

What happened: - Zakat Foundation of America will distribute more than 5,000 pounds of rice and winter kits from Nov. 21 through Nov. 28, 2026. - The distributions will take place in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. - Six locations are scheduled in Des Plaines, Schaumburg and Waukegan, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Gary, Indiana. - The events are being held with local churches, community organizations and partner agencies, including Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.

The details: - Nov. 21, 10 a.m.: San Esteban Church, 1280 Prospect Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018. - Nov. 22, 11 a.m.: Saint Matthew Catholic Church, 1005 E Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194. - Nov. 22, 12 p.m.: Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1170 N River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016. - Nov. 23, 10 a.m.: Thanksgiving Fest Distribution, 2701 S Chase Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207. - Nov. 24, 10 a.m.: Lilac Ledge Apartments, 642 Washington St, Waukegan, IL 60085. - Nov. 28, 2 p.m.: 4285 Cleveland St, Gary, IN 46408. - Community members with questions about a specific distribution may contact Julieta Bolivar at julieta.b@zakat.org. - Local partners interested in bringing support to their own community may contact Outreach and Engagement Director Nayma Kose at nayma@zakat.org. - Zakat Foundation of America says media including photos and videos are available on the organization’s website and social media. - Additional media requests or interview requests may be submitted to the media contact below. - Zakat Foundation of America was founded in 2001 by Khalil Demir. - The organization is a 501(c)3 NGO focused on immediate needs and self-reliance for people in need. - Zakat Foundation of America conducts humanitarian assistance programs in more than 45 countries on five continents. - More information is available at ZAKAT.org.

Between the lines: - The schedule concentrates on neighborhoods and community sites that are already connected to local faith-based and service networks. - The mix of food aid and winter kits suggests the organization is trying to meet both short-term emergency needs and practical winter pressures at the same time. - The geographic spread across three states signals a broader regional push, not a one-off holiday donation.

What's next: - Families can visit the listed sites on the scheduled dates and times to receive aid. - Community groups and local partners can contact Zakat Foundation of America if they want to bring similar support to their own areas. - The organization will likely use the Thanksgiving period to continue visibility for its broader humanitarian work.