WEST HOLLYWOOD — A clothing drive aimed at helping gay and lesbian youth in need began on Monday, January 6 and will be held throughout the month.

The second annual clothing drive for the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center’s Youth Center in Highland is an attempt to get clothing on the backs of youth in need. The center provides transitional and long-term housing for those who are homeless, as well as services designed to give them an opportunity to obtain further education and even employment. For that reason, the city will be accepting clothing items like suits, ties, jackets and belts —but will also take casual items like jeans and sweaters. The city’s site also notes that backpacks will be much appreciated if they are left during the drive.

The clothing drive will run until January 31, and all items can be dropped off in bins inside City Hall at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard. If anyone needs any further information regarding the drive, Corri Planck at the Social Services Division can be reached at (323) 848-6430, and Joshua Schare at the Public Information Office can be dialed at (323) 848-6431.