JIGSAW (Joining Intersectionality, Gender, Sexuality and Allies at Wayne) is hosting a charity drive supporting the Ruth Ellis Center, a social services agency providing support for runaway, homeless and at-risk LGBTQ youth in Detroit. Donations will be accepted through Jan. 15.
The following supplies are requested:
- New or gently used winter coats, boots, gloves, hats, scarves and socks
- Hygiene supplies including soap, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Beauty supplies including makeup, nail polish and hair products
- School supplies including agendas/planners and notebooks
Donated items, which should not be gift-wrapped, can be dropped off at the JIGSAW Office (Student Center Room 361) or to Tom Molina-Duarte in the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement (Student Center, 7th floor) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cash donations and checks should be delivered to the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement Office. Donations can also be made online: http://www.ruthelliscenter.org/for-donors
Headquartered in Highland Park, the Ruth Ellis Center provides safe housing, health services and more to LGBTQ youth, who are disproportionately affected by homelessness and often find themselves ostracized, shamed or denied services by other agencies.
“It’s important that we support one another,” said Cara Mitrano, co-president of JIGSAW. “The Ruth Ellis Center does great work to ensure that underrepresented and marginalized youth feel appreciated and valued.”
For more information about JIGSAW and the charity drive, visit the group’s Facebook page or contact Cara Mitrano at ft9709@wayne.edu.