Community Comes Together to Help Clark Family
Submitted by Susan Dougherty
When the Kiwanis Club of Clark first learned of the Mekkway family’s flooded apartment in early fall, they publicized the need in area news outlets. On social media, the mother of three, Samah Mekkway, hadn’t asked for money, but instead, prayers. When Cara Hund, President of the Clark Kiwanis Club, saw the post that said the 13-year-old daughter lost her wheelchair, crutches, and braces in the flood, she sprang into action. The Clark club raised money and wrote an article for area news outlets, along with other individuals and organizations who came forward to help the struggling family, which include Maya, 21, Maryam, 13, and Amr, 12.
Ms. Hund’s friend, Jill Burkhard, heard of the efforts of the philanthropic club and made the need known to her place of worship. Temple Beth O’r Beth Torah in Clark is the latest organization that reached out to the family just before Christmas with a donation. When Cantor Steven Stern sat down with the family, he explained that his congregation heard of the need and raised $3,845. for the family. “We believe in pillars of central teaching that include: the Torah, prayer, and loving-kindness,” he explained. There, in the apartment, sat members of three different faiths: members of the Temple Jill Burkhard, Evie Shulman, and Cantor Stern representing the Jewish faith, the Mekkways, who are Muslims, and photographer/Kiwanis member Susan Dougherty, a Christian. They all agreed that helping one’s neighbor is a part of what each faith believes. It’s a unifying concept and one that brings closeness as a community.
Ms. Mekkway said that in the last months there has been an outpouring of support from various clubs, individuals, and businesses in the community. “Schiefferstein’s Farm has been wonderful throughout. They gave us a turkey at Thanksgiving and today gave us this Christmas tree,” she said as she gestured to the 8-foot evergreen by the sliding glass door. Additionally, she said that Clark schools have taken on fundraisers like Blue Jeans Day for teachers to raise money. There was even a furniture donation by a family in town that was downsizing and wanted their beautiful furniture to have a good home.
It seems it takes a village of all faiths to show compassion to a family in need.
The Kiwanis Club of Clark is a part of Kiwanis International, a not- for-profit organization helping communities one child at a time. It meets on Zoom the first and third Monday of the month. It is the proud parent organization of the Key Club at ALJ High School, the Builders Club at Kumpf Middle School and the K-Kids Clubs at Valley Road and Hehnly Elementary Schools. For more information about the adult club, call 732-382-5367 or email crusadersue@hotmail.com.
Photo by Susan M. Dougherty
