Sexuality and Gender Alliance is holding a hygiene kit Drive from Jan. 23 to Feb. 8 to support of The Crib. The Crib is a shelter for people ages 18-24 that addresses immediate housing needs.

“We hosted a similar hygiene drive last winter and delivered over 60 hygiene kits to the Crib. They were very appreciative of our donations, as they serve many youths who are in need of basic toiletry items,” said Sarah Bathan, SAGA Sponsor and Special Education Teacher.

SAGA has specifically chosen to support this homeless shelter as it welcomes people of all genders and sexual orientations. As many as 80% of The Crib’s guests identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or queer. The Crib has strived to provide services to LGBTQ homeless youth in Chicago who may have been turned away by their families and would otherwise have no place to stay.

“The mission of [SAGA] is to provide support, advocacy, education, and acceptance in order to achieve equality for all people. We participate in service projects and we hold events that promote advocacy and education on issues related to the LGBTQ community. I like being a part of a group where you can be yourself and be accepted exactly as you are,” Bathan said.

There will be collection boxes in each of the houses. Suggested donations are travel/sample size items such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, and lotion. At the end of the drive, SAGA will be compiling the items into hygiene kits and delivering them to Chicago to be distributed to the youth in need.

“We have collection boxes in all of the houses, but we have not received many donations yet. The drive will continue through February 8th, so we’re hoping to get a lot more by then,” Bathan said.