PHOENIXVILLE, PA – On December 5th, seventy-five people gathered at Congregation
B’Nai Jacob in Phoenixville to sort and pack donations for the homeless of Chester County.
Sponsored by LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County, over three 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 from Giant, Target, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, and a large box of
family sized toiletries, paper products, diapers, and other items requested by the shelters.
There were thirteen 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 HS, Boyertown HS, Owen J Roberts HS, groups
from Spring-ford Area HS, Bayard Rustin HS, 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. We
would love to be able to say that again next year!”
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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 outreach
activities to create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ community members.
To learn more, please visit www.lgbteachesco.org
