Holiday Pride Drive supports homeless in Chester County

OnDec. 5, 75 people gathered at CongregationB’Nai Jacob in Phoenixville to sort and pack donations for the homeless of Chester County.

Sponsored by LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County, more than 300 hundred backpacks

were filled with toiletries and snacks for individuals and are being delivered to The House in Phoenixville, Friends Association in West Chester, Safe Harbor in West Chester, CYWA in

Coatesville, and The LGBTQ Home for Hope in Philadelphia.

Each shelter also received $100 in gift cards that varied fromGiant, Target, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, and a large box offamily sized toiletries, paper products, diapers, and other items requested by the shelters.

There were 13 donation drop off locations around Chester County, including nine YMCA locations.

“The YMCAs really stepped up, “stated Stacey DeFreitas, LGBTEA board member and organizer of the drive, “We are always so grateful for their support.”

Other volunteers that collected donations and helped with the sorting and packing included GSA

clubs from Phoenixville HS, Pottsgrove High School, Boyertown High School, Owen J Roberts High School, groups from Spring-ford Area High Sschool, Bayard Rustin High Sschool, Congregation B’Nai Jacob members, Brandywine Roller Derby, Ursinus College, and many other individuals and families.

“It is wonderful how the Chester County community comes together to support those in need,” said DeFreitas. “Last year, LGBT Equality Alliance’s holiday drive provided generous support for foster children in the county and this year donations more than doubled. Wewould love to be able to say that again next year!”

About LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County

LGBTEA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization fostering the expansion of Chester County LGBTQ+ community initiatives by partnering with supportive local organizations in fundraising, education, and out- reach activities to create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ com- munity members. To learn more, please visit www.lgbteachesco.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF DENISE HUGHES More than 300hundred backpacks were filled with toiletries and snacks. Items like diapers were also provided to area organizations who help those in need.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DENISE HUGHES People gathered at CongregationB’Nai Jacob in Phoenixville to sort and pack the donations for the homeless of Chester County.