When 13-year-old Zayan Kajani focuses his energy on a cause, remarkable things happen. His recent focus has been on making a positive impact by helping others. "Doing good gives a sense of fulfillment," he firmly believes.

Zayan's Volunteer Work with the Muslim Community Center – East Bay (MCC)

Zayan actively participates in the MCC in various ways. He often assists in providing clothing and food to those in need in the Tri-Valley through the MCC's "refugee bazaar." This experience has truly taught him the power of giving back.During the holy month of Ramadan, while fasting along with Muslims worldwide, he gained a profound understanding of hunger. Discovering that there are people in his community facing hunger daily struck him deeply. "I was truly surprised. I didn't expect there to be much hunger in Dublin. We usually see people in nice homes, not on the streets," he shared.So, he joined forces with his friends. "We thought, why not do something about it?" he said.Zayan Kajani (center) and his friends came together for a food drive that raised nearly $20,000 for families in need in the Tri-Valley area.

Collaboration with the Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB)

In collaboration with the MCC and the ACCFB, Zayan and his friends organized a food drive. They collected food from schools and various sources in the Tri-Valley area. "We were able to raise a significant amount of money and help a large number of people," he said. They managed to raise nearly $20,000 and enough food for around 40,000 meals for the community."You talk about helping, but seeing the actual impact firsthand is truly remarkable," he added. "To witness the full extent of that impact made us feel like we achieved something great."The ACCFB is currently operating at record levels, providing up to 1,000,000 meals every week to the community. This year, it reports a 500,000-pound increase in food going to the Tri-Valley.Sister Aminah Abdullah of the MCC emphasizes the need. "This past Saturday, we started distributing food at 9:00 a.m. and usually continued until 12:00 p.m. But by 10:40 a.m., we had run out of produce. Anyone can face food insecurity. A single job loss, illness, or family death can lead to it."When asked about Zayan, Abdullah's smile is wide. "He is extraordinary, along with his friends. Even at a young age, you can make a huge impact and start changing the world."

Zayan's Motivation and Message

For Zayan, his selflessness stems from the heart and his faith. "I think the perception of Islam is somewhat distorted in society. Islam is truly about generosity, peace, and helping others. A significant part of Ramadan, at least for me, is about empathy," he explained.So, whether it's food, clothing, or other forms of assistance, Zayan has a clear message. "Just help people whenever you can," he said. His actions and words serve as an inspiration, showing that even at a young age, one can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.