The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) continues to provide vital support to organizations that care for the homeless. Many that have been adversely impacted and expanded by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to this growing need, BHERC held its second “Operation Love” drive for essential hygiene goods for the homeless residents of the Union Rescue Mission Sunday, May 3, 2020.
BHERC made a clarion call to members of the Los Angeles community. The answer was resounding and overwhelming. People from all walks of life and ages, some walking up, but most driving came at a steady pace to make their contribution from across the Southland. Fifty members of the Los Angeles Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. arrived in mass with their contributions to the drive. While Production Coordinator, Larry Chatman, Record One continued his support of the BHERC “Operation Love” campaign with funding and 500 toiletry items for the drive. Overall efforts of the day resulted in more than 30 large boxes filled with essential new, wrapped personal hygiene toiletries that included items such as: soap, shampoo, toilet paper, toothbrushes, deodorant, detergent, toothpaste and lotion. Donations also included socks and undergarments. Volunteers from BHERC were on hand from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM to collect items from donors car side and to prepare the donations for pick up by the Union Rescue Mission. “The COVID – 19 pandemic has decimated our food pantries and organizations that provide services to the homeless and underserved Angelenos. BHERC ‘Operation Love’ is committed to continue to support and broaden its campaign to enlist the support of others,” stated Sandra Evers-Manly, president BHERC.
BHERC “Operation Love” has two events scheduled for the coming weekend. On Saturday, May 9, at 5:00PM PST BHERC will host a special online Pre-Mother’s Day Celebration event to celebrate nurses and healthcare workers on the frontlines of the battle to combat the COVID-19 pandemic who are mothers as well as all mothers. “An Evening of Love” features music and spoken word and tributes from voices on the ground in the community. Expressions from those who wish to express gratitude and sentiments of care and appreciation for the diverse roles mothers play today. Whether traditional or nontraditional, this event celebrates mothers with roles that impact all levels of society. Critical roles important and vital part to helping the nation meet the ever-changing physical, economical, and spiritualchallenges this unprecedented health crisis has created.
On Sunday May 10, in the Los Angeles area targeted towards seniors and those with “underlying” health conditions who have been extremely impacted and need assistance. BHERC “Operation Love” will provide a Mother’s Day meal and gift basket of essential items for 500 seniors. Many of those selected to receive the “Operation Love” meals and gift baskets are Mothers that are retired nurses, caregivers, community civic and organizational leaders that have labored in the community for many years. Many who have in some way or another added to the betterment of Los Angeles over the decades.
Supporters of BHERC “Operation Love” include The Los Angeles Sentinel, Lawrence Tolliver, Tolliver’s Barbershop, Barbershop Health Outreach Program Dr. Bill Releford, Founder, Mothers in Action, Tracy Mitchell, President and Larry Chatman, Production Coordinator, Record One Studio.
For May 9,, Mother’s Day Celebration Zoom Event register online by 3:00 PM PST at www.bherc.org. For more information about BHERC email [email protected] or call 310.284.3170 or 213.400.3489. #BHERCOperationLove І #Strongertogether
