You Can Help LGBT Youth In Need With Clothing Drive

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — West Hollywood's seventh annual clothing drive for the Los Angeles LGBT Center's Youth Services program begins Wednesday, with personal hygiene items, granola bars and gift cards also sought.

Many young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals served by the center do not have warm winter clothing or professional clothing for job interviews or to sustain employment, a city official said.

The center is in greatest need of jackets, coats and ponchos; hoodies; sweatpants; new packages of socks and underwear; travel-sized, new hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, feminine menstrual products and shaving items); and boxes of granola bars, the official said.

Dress pants, shirts, suits, belts, ties and blazers are also appreciated. Clothing of all sizes is needed, from XS to 4XL.

Items can be left in collection bins at West Hollywood City Hall through Jan. 31.

Gift cards, preferably in the $5 denomination, can be left with staff members in the city's Social Services Division on the third floor of City Hall. The card's dollar value should be written on the card.

All items collected will be distributed to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth in need.

Validated parking for West Hollywood City Hall is available in the parking garage behind City Hall off of North Sweetzer Avenue. A loading area is available for quick drop-offs.

More information is available by contacting the city of West Hollywood's Strategic Initiatives Division at (323) 848-6833.

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock