Yousaf Ahmed, Press & Media Co-ordinator, MKA Yorkshire, UK
During the festive season, Muslim youth volunteers from Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Yorkshire have been giving back to their local communities, supporting those most in need through a wide range of charitable and community-focused initiatives.
Volunteers have prepared and distributed hundreds of homemade hot meals to vulnerable individuals at local soup kitchens, serving food directly to people experiencing hardship and food insecurity across the region in order to ensure no one goes hungry and with the aim of tackling the hunger crisis.
In addition, wellbeing parcels have been distributed to people who are homeless or sleeping rough. These parcels included essential items such as thermal socks, gloves, hats and basic toiletries – items that every person should have access to, particularly during the cold winter months.
The volunteers have also been visiting residential care homes, spreading festive cheer by delivering gifts and hampers and spending quality time with elderly residents.
Alongside social action, the young volunteers have contributed to environmental and conservation efforts, planting over 1,000 trees across South and West Yorkshire to support sustainability and improve local green spaces for future generations.
On BBC Radio Sheffield, on 16 December 2025, a spokesperson for the volunteer group said:
“Our young people wanted to give back to the communities they are part of. This work is not new; we have been helping our local communities for decades. For us, it is about compassion, service and standing alongside those who are often forgotten – values that are central to our faith and our shared humanity.”
Free Christmas Day taxi service in Huddersfield
On Christmas Day, young Muslim volunteers from Huddersfield came together to provide a free taxi service for elderly residents, helping ensure safe and reliable transport to and from the local village hall during the festive period.
The initiative, carried out by Ahmadi Muslim youth from Huddersfield South, focused on supporting older residents who may face difficulties with mobility or access to transport, particularly on a day when public services are limited. By offering free lifts on Christmas Day, the volunteers helped ensure that elderly members of the community could attend activities at the village hall and remain connected rather than spending the day isolated at home.
In addition to providing transportation, the volunteers offered extra assistance where needed, including helping passengers in and out of vehicles and ensuring they arrived safely and comfortably. The service was delivered with care, respect and a strong sense of responsibility, reflecting a commitment to looking after the most vulnerable members of the local community.
The initiative was warmly welcomed by residents, many of whom expressed gratitude for the support provided. For several elderly individuals, the free taxi service made it possible to take part in Christmas Day activities that they might otherwise have been unable to attend.
The village hall also became a space for positive community interaction, allowing volunteers and residents to engage, share conversations and strengthen local connections. The project helped bridge generational gaps and encouraged a sense of togetherness during the festive season, reinforcing the importance of community spirit.