News & Updates – Page 20 – John Janney Foundation

Posted on December 21, 2021March 17, 2026 by johnjanney

First Charity NFT Islamic Art Gallery Opens December 26 in Chicago

Chicago, December 21, 2021 – Four Muslim artists are featured in the Giving is Beautiful charity art gallery opening on December 26, 2021, at the MAS-ICNA convention being held at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Artists Ruby Jaffrey, Shayma Al-Shiri, Qasim Arif and Mustafa Horton each contributed three original artworks ranging in style from Arabic calligraphy, calligraphy-themed art, abstract realism and abstract art. Each artist minted non-fungible tokens for their artwork on the popular NFT marketplace OpenSea and are donating all royalties to Baitulmaal, the charity behind the art project.

Visitors to the art gallery can bid on prints of the digital art and a portion of the proceeds from the auctions will also be donated to Baitulmaal.

“We’ve been wanting to launch a project that supports the creative community while also benefiting people in need around the world,” said John Janney, Baitulmaal communications director and chief curator for the Giving is Beautiful initiative. “With art as the vehicle, donors can enjoy the beauty of their contributions on their walls, in their digital collections and in their hearts.”

Two other pieces will be shown during the convention. One is an immersive video art installation by videographer Chance Issa that features footage from humanitarian aid deliveries funded by Baitulmaal donors as well as clips of popular social influencers like Khaled Beydoun and Linda Sarsour talking about how they engage with beauty in the world and how they foster inner beauty through giving and other charitable acts.

The other art piece is an interactive art installation featuring a custom-built vending machine that offers charity opportunities instead of snacks and sodas. Visitors can select from 30 different giving options, such as supporting winter relief, water access, orphan support or education. Artist and Baitulmaal graphic designer Mustafa Horton designed the colorful mosaic-themed art that covers the inside and outside of the vending machine.

Art enthusiasts outside of Chicago wanting to see or purchase selections can visit givingisbeautiful.org. The site also offers an application for artists interested in joining the collection.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

# # #

See the Art on givingisbeautiful.org

Posted on December 20, 2021March 18, 2026 by johnjanney

Drought Relief Efforts Underway in East Africa

???? More photos below… ????

WAJIR, KENYA, December 20, 2021 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian relief agency, is mobilizing drought relief efforts in affected communities in Kenya which include provision of potable water tankers and maintenance of existing sub-city wells.

Fifty tankers are providing 1 million liters of potable water per month to five settlements in Kenya, benefitting approximately 3,500 residents. Water will be made accessible to livestock, a major source of livelihood that has been impacted by drought conditions in the region. Ten sub-city wells will also be maintained to ensure adequate supply to city residents.

Mitigating the water emergency in East Africa has been a priority in the region, said Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal.

“Without access to water, many things start to rapidly deteriorate,” Sohail said. “Disease is spread more easily, malnutrition in young children rises, and the health of the community as a whole is impacted when crops and animals fail to thrive. These water tankers are crucial right now.”

Countries in East Africa have been facing the worst drought in recent times, with an estimated 2.4 million people impacted in Kenya alone, according to the UN. The current drought has extended since December of 2020, the longest stretch in decades.

In addition to drought relief efforts in Kenya and Somalia, Baitulmaal digs wells, provides food, and promotes back to school efforts in East Africa. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

# # #

Click Here

???? Click left or right to see additional images ????

Posted on November 18, 2021March 18, 2026 by johnjanney

Gaza Desalination Plant Provides Clean Water to 9,500 Residents

???? More photos below… ????

GAZA, PALESTINE, November 18, 2021 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian relief agency, recently installed a water desalination plant that provides clean, drinkable water to 9,500 residents in the Khan Younis governorate of the Gaza Strip.

The desalination plant is located in the village of Khuza’a in the Khan Younis camp. Residents are internally displaced Palestinians suffering from an ongoing occupation and blockade. They also suffer from a severe water shortage. According to Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal, this project helps local Palestinians by purifying otherwise undrinkable water.

“Families in Gaza struggle to get clean water and often are left with few options besides buying questionable water from unreliable, unregulated sources at high prices,” Sohail said. “This water purification plant gives Palestinians access to safe, clean water at no cost to them.”

At a recent session of the UN Human Rights Council, experts warned that water in Gaza is “slowly poisoning” its residents. Water pollution is a leading cause of child mortality and accounts for a quarter of all illnesses in the area. The 11-day offensive on Gaza last May damaged 290 water supply facilities, exacerbating an already dire water crisis in the region.

The Khan Younis camp is considered to be one of the most vulnerable areas in the southern Gaza Strip. According to the UN, the area suffers from overcrowding, high unemployment and lack of access to adequate water and electricity. The UN estimates that up to 98 percent of the camp’s water supply is contaminated with sea water, sewage and other pollutants.

In addition to the new water desalination plant in Khan Younis, Baitulmaal operates 300 water tanks in the Gaza strip that provide safe, clean water to more than 15,000 residents. Another 100 tanks will be installed at the beginning of the year. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

# # #

Click Here

???? Click left or right to see additional images ????

???? Click left or right to see additional images ????

Posted on November 8, 2021March 17, 2026 by johnjanney

900 Syrian Refugees Receive Back to School Support

???? More photos below… ????

TEL ABYAD, SYRIA, November 8, 2021 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian relief agency, recently distributed school supplies and uniforms to 900 displaced Syrian children attending the Zainab School in Tel Abyad, Syria.

Students received uniforms, shoes, backpacks and school supplies. Many of the students are orphans or have special needs, according to Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal.

“The children in this area have known nothing but war their whole lives,” Sohail said. “The simple joy of having new shoes, clothes and supplies for school brings hope to an otherwise difficult situation.”

Baitulmaal also restores schools like the Zainab School in Syria to enable children to return to damaged or inadequate campuses. In addition to digging water wells, rehabilitating classrooms, and expanding bathroom facilities, Baitulmaal has also installed heaters and solar panels to help support the safety and efficient functioning of schools.

Baitulmaal supports back to school efforts in Syria and other countries around the world. To learn about or contribute to these projects, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

# # #

Click Here

???? Click left or right to see additional images ????

Posted on November 1, 2021March 18, 2026 by johnjanney

478 Orphans, Impoverished Students Receive Back to School Support in Jordan

???? More photos below… ????

AMMAN, JORDAN, November 1, 2021 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian relief agency, recently distributed school supplies to 478 low-income or orphaned children in Jordan.

Students who attend various schools in Amman, Az-Zarqa, Mafreq, Irbid, Jerash and Balqa received school bags and supplies such as stationary and books ahead of the new school year. Many of the children live in refugee camps or belong to families with little or no source of income and a high number of dependent, disabled or elderly members. According to Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal, these supplies alleviate obstacles to sending children to school.

“Orphans and other vulnerable children in Jordan lack basic needs on a daily basis,” Sohail said. “Thanks to our donors, they now have the supplies they need to access the opportunities schooling provides – from nutrition to education to psychosocial support.”

Baitulmaal supports back to school efforts in Jordan and other countries around the world. To learn about or contribute to these projects, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

# # #

Click Here

???? Click left or right to see additional images ????

Posted on October 25, 2021March 17, 2026 by johnjanney

Back-to-School Effort Benefits 1,200 Displaced Syrians, 300 Students

???? More photos below… ????

IDLIB, SYRIA, October 25, 2021 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian relief agency, recently distributed school supplies and uniforms to 300 displaced students living in camps in the northern Syrian countryside.

Students in Idlib, Dana, Ma’arat Masrin and surrounding areas received backpacks, stationary, uniforms and shoes. According to Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal, the back-to-school project indirectly benefited more than 1,200 individuals, from families to local businesses, tailors and craftsmen who participated in the effort.

“Education is the key to success in many ways,” Sohail said. “Investing in these children today opens doors for their communities, now and for the future.”

Baitulmaal supports back to school efforts in Syria and other countries around the world. To learn about or contribute to these projects, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

# # #

Click Here

???? Click left or right to see additional images ????

Posted on October 20, 2021March 17, 2026 by johnjanney

Baitulmaal Responds to Earthquake in Pakistan

???? More photos below… ????

QUETTA, PAKISTAN, October 20, 2021 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian relief agency, recently provided emergency food provisions and other aid to 100 families impacted by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the southern part of Pakistan.

Families received hygiene supplies and a one-month supply of staples such as flour, rice, lentils and cooking oil after losing most of their belongings in the quake. According to Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal, many of the families continue to rely on humanitarian assistance as they recover from the disaster.

“Houses collapsed to the ground, and yet many of the families continue to live in them because they have nowhere else to go,” Sohail said. “This food gives them one less thing to worry about as they begin to rebuild.”

The earthquake struck on October 7, 2021 while residents slept in the Harnai district near the Afghan border. The quake killed at least 27 people and injured over 300. More than 100 homes were fully or partially damaged and power was disrupted to the remote, mountainous region. Aftershocks continued to be felt in the following days.

Baitulmaal provides food, water, medicine, healthcare, educational support and other aid to people in Pakistan. If you would like to learn more or contribute to these programs at Baitulmaal, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

# # #

Click Here

???? Click left or right to see additional images ????

Posted on October 11, 2021March 18, 2026 by johnjanney

388 Somali Students Go Back to School with Hope

???? More photos below… ????

GALKACYO, SOMALIA, October 11, 2021 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian relief agency, recently distributed school supplies and uniforms to 388 pupils in four primary schools in Somalia.

Students in four primary schools in the Galkacyo district of the Mudug region received uniforms, backpacks, stationary and other supplies. The schools are located in central Somalia including Alsha’ab and Harhar orphanage schools in Galkacyo town, Bandiradley town primary school and the Saddeh-Higlo village primary school.

According to Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal, some items were scarce in the region and had to be transported by air from Mogadishu to Galkacyo. Uniforms also had to be specially tailored for the students.

“Many of the students are orphans or from low-income households,” Sohail said. “These supplies enable them to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their education.”

Baitulmaal digs wells, distributes food, invests in healthcare and provides educational support to people in Somalia. If you would like to learn more or contribute to these programs at Baitulmaal, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

# # #

Click Here

???? Click left or right to see additional images ????

Posted on October 4, 2021March 17, 2026 by johnjanney

1,000 Students in Gaza Receive Back-to-School Support

???? More photos below… ????

GAZA, PALESTINE, October 4, 2021 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian relief agency, recently distributed back-to-school kits to 1,000 students in the impoverished Gaza Strip.

Each back-to-school kit includes items such as backpacks, stationary, shoes and uniforms. The kits were provided to boys and girls at UNRWA-run schools in the middle and northern Gaza governorates.

According to Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal, the supplies came just in time for many students who were impacted by escalating violence earlier this year.

“So many children lost everything, including all of their school supplies,” Sohail said. “Thanks to our donors, these kits give students what they need to go back to school and strive for a better future.”

Israeli airstrikes in May 2021 killed 256 civilians — including 66 children — and displaced approximately 74,000 Palestinians, according to the UN. The World Bank estimates up to $380 million in damage to Gaza’s infrastructure from 11 days of heavy bombardment. Among the impacted buildings were 50 schools that were destroyed. Approximately 4,000 students were relocated to other schools. Many continue to be at risk of missing out on an education due to financial hardship.

Facing over a half-century of occupation, Palestinians have limited access to food, water, healthcare, electricity or opportunities for education and employment, and over 80% of Gazans are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Baitulmaal has been providing humanitarian aid in Palestine since the organization’s inception. The charity operates 300 water tanks in Gaza and funds healthcare at the Yazour Clinic for underprivileged families in the West Bank. In addition to food, water, winter relief and emergency humanitarian aid, Baitulmaal also sponsors Palestinian orphans in Lebanon and Jordan. If you would like to learn more or contribute to these programs at Baitulmaal, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

# # #

Click Here

???? Click left or right to see additional images ????

Posted on September 27, 2021March 18, 2026 by johnjanney

Emergency Aid Distributed to Stranded Migrants in Texas Border Town

???? More photos below… ????

DALLAS, TEXAS, September 27, 2021 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian relief agency, recently distributed emergency aid in Del Rio, Texas, where more than 8,000 migrants fleeing violence and poverty are stranded without food, water or basic necessities.

Supplies such as first aid kits, bottled water, clothing, baby formula and diapers were collected at the Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, and transported to the migrant encampment under the international bridge in Del Rio, Texas, about 150 miles west of San Antonio.

According to Elizabeth Sohail, program manager at Baitulmaal, there were more than 14,000 migrants in this location at one point, and those that remain are facing a growing humanitarian crisis.

“Many of these families fled unimaginable circumstances in their home countries only to be left hungry, thirsty and scared at the border,” Sohail said. “We couldn’t turn a blind eye to their suffering and responded to the call for help as quickly as we could.”

Baitulmaal joined forces with UntilFreedom, Faith for Black Lives, Relief Gang and other aid groups to provide essential supplies to families in need.

Thousands of migrants are seeking asylum from countries such as Chile, Cuba and Venezuela at the U.S. border town of Del Rio, Texas. The majority of recent arrivals have fled political upheaval, civil unrest and a devastating earthquake in Haiti that claimed more than 2,000 lives. Del Rio’s mayor declared a state of emergency last week and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has appealed to the U.S. to end asylum restrictions as migrants face long queues and squalid conditions at the border..

If you would like to contribute to emergency aid programs at Baitulmaal, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

# # #

Click Here