The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) rose again in the early hours this past Sunday, May 17, 2020. Aided by a gathering of 20 volunteers, the recently but well-organized BHERC initiative Operation Love was building up, preparing for a day of outreach in Los Angeles. On this day the goal, to distribute 300 lunches and essential hygiene packets to homeless on the streets and in encampments.
As in the past 7 weeks of distributions and drives, essential hygiene and personal packets included soap, shampoo, toilet paper, toothbrushes, deodorant, hand sanitizer, face masks, toothpaste, and lotion. Lunch and water were also included. “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.
As the volunteers traveled to their destination to make their distributions, this day would take them to the encampments at Century Boulevard and the 110 Freeway, Washington Boulevard and the 10 Freeway, Exposition Boulevard and the 110 Freeway and many living on various streets. Those receiving the packets were so grateful for the kindness. Many were families with children, and many were communities of homeless who clearly looked out for each other. “The homeless problem was huge before the pandemic. Now, it seems to be nearly impossible to manage. But we must do all that we can. Operation Love is proud to help in this small way,” states Sandra J. Evers-Manly.
To date Operation Love has collected 6000 rolls of toilet paper and $15,000.00 for the LA Union Mission and provided 3000 essential hygiene kits, gift baskets and lunched for the homeless, seniors and those with underlying health conditions. Two national online tributes were held with music and spoken word honoring Mother’s, Nurses and Healthcare Workers on the frontline.
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 more information about BHERC email bherc@bherc.org or call 310.284.3170 or 213.400.3489. #BHERCOperationLove І #Strongertogether
