In recognition of World AIDS Day 2015, AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) will conduct a food drive across Los Angeles County, welcoming donations of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to persons living with HIV/AIDS.
From Tuesday to Dec. 31, the City of West Hollywood will participate in the effort by hosting donation bins at West Hollywood City Hall, located at 8300 Santa Monica Blvd. at Sweetzer. Validated parking is available at the Kings Road Municipal Parking Structure, located at 8383 Santa Monica Blvd. at Kings Road.
Donations will supplement groceries available through APLA’s Vance North Necessities of Life Program (NOLP), which operates the nation’s largest network of food pantries for people with HIV/AIDS from eight unique locations. NOLP’s pre-bagged groceries include fresh dairy products, frozen meats, fresh vegetables and an assortment of canned and dry goods, as well as hygiene items and cleaning supplies. Clients also receive bilingual, one-on-one nutritional counseling and nutrition classes.
For APLA’s holiday-time food drive, individuals are encouraged to purchase and donate any of the following non-perishable or personal items:
- Whole-grain cereal;
- Canned meats;
- Canned fruits and vegetables;
- Chicken or vegetable stock;
- Peanut butter;
- Cooking oils;
- Non-perishable juices (100-percent juice);
- Evaporated milk;
- Coffee and teas; and
- Personal-hygiene items, such as: toothpaste, shaving cream, shampoo, mouthwash, feminine-hygiene products, etc.
Proper nutrition is important to the health and well being of people living with HIV/AIDS. AIDS Project Los Angeles sees more than 6,000 low-income clients every single year, with an average income of less than $800 per month.
For details, including a downloadable shopping checklist and additional food-drive drop-off locations, please visit www.apla.org/fooddrive.
