Clothing Drive For Muslim Prisoners Launches In Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A donation drive is underway for Muslim inmates at the Essex County Correctional Facility ahead of Ramadan.

CAIR New Jersey is spearheading the drive, which seeks to raise money to purchase religious garments for inmates at the Newark-based prison. Learn more or make a donation here.

According to organizers:

“Help us uphold the faith of our incarcerated Muslim brothers and sisters by ensuring access to religious garments for Muslim Heritage Month at Essex County Correctional Facility on January 31, 2025. An estimated 20% of New Jersey inmates are Muslim. There are currently over 600 incarcerated Muslims in Essex County Correctional Facility. Can you help us reach our goal of donating over 600 religious items to support their spiritual needs?”

“Your donations will help fund new, one-piece elastic hijabs and kufis that prioritize comfort, public safety and ease of use,” organizers say. “Please note that only brand-new items will be accepted, as required by the correctional facility’s guidelines to ensure safety and prevent tampering.”

All donations and proceeds from this campaign will be dedicated exclusively to this project, organizers say. For more information, contact Najdah Abdul-Haqq at n.abdul.haqq@cair.com, or Zelle to 908-267-3119 with Memo: “ECCF.”

The donation drives takes place as the state celebrates Muslim Heritage Month, which takes place in January.

• See Related: NJ Celebrates Its First ‘Muslim Heritage Month’ In 2024
• See Related: Essex County Prison Helps Inmates Observe Ramadan Holiday

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