AUC Students Assemble 6,000 Ramadan Food Packs in Record Community Service Drive

The American University in Cairo (AUC) marked one of the largest student-led community service initiatives in its recent history, as 42 student organizations joined forces with the Office of Student Life to assemble 6,000 food packs for families in need this Ramadan, nearly double the number produced in the previous year. Following the packing, students joined AUC President Ahmad Dallal and Dean of Students Yorgun Marcel for a community iftar in the University's amphitheater. The Musicana student organization performed Ramadan songs, transforming the conclusion of a day of service into a celebration of community and shared tradition. New students in the First-Year Experience program also participated, underscoring the University's commitment to embedding civic engagement and social responsibility from the earliest stages of student life.

"Seeing the happiness on people's faces and seeing how they truly live is really touching. I think this is one of the things that keeps me going to be honest," said Rawan Sherif, a junior studying electronics and communications engineering and vice president of Resala AUC, who has attended every Ramadan packing event for three consecutive years and has also helped distribute the packs directly to families.

The initiative brought together students from across disciplines and backgrounds, including international students, forming a human assembly line on campus to package food supplies destined for underserved communities. Pilar Jordan, a junior studying abroad from Wayne State University in Michigan, joined the effort after finding her own sense of belonging in Egypt. "I decided to join because there are so many people outside of compounds and this community that don't have the resources to get what they need. So as long as I'm able to walk, I'm able to give back," Jordan said.

The event drew participation from students motivated by a shared sense of purpose. Karim Elzahby, a mechanical engineering senior, reflected on the collective energy of the gathering. "The community here is really connected. We have an intrinsic bond we didn't know existed between us, and it's coming out all here," he said.

Salma Hagras, a sophomore and vice president of the Help Club, attended her first Ramadan packing last year and came back this year with renewed enthusiasm — and family in tow. "Even last year, I brought my sister. She's out of University but came to help. I really love how people gather to do khayr (good)," Hagras said.

Ramadan packing has grown into one of AUC's most enduring student traditions, reflecting the University's long-standing mission to cultivate engaged, socially conscious graduates who contribute meaningfully to Egyptian society. As the food packs make their way to families in need, the initiative stands as a testament to AUC's role not only as an academic institution but as an active and compassionate member of the community.