Plastic Food Drive’s goal is $15,000 in gift cards so homeless youths can eat

As the number of homeless youths in Las Vegas increases, so does their need for food. Kathleen Vermillion, founder of the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, hopes to tackle this issue with the organization's fifth annual Plastic Food Drive.

The Plastic Food Drive benefits teenagers who come into the William Fry Drop-In Center, 4981 Shirley St ., which contains numerous resources, such as a fully stocked kitchen, a closet with new clothes and opportunities to connect with counselors.

One resource the center lacks, however, is access to an oven, which li mits teens' opportunities to obtain the proper warm food and nourishment . The Plastic Food Drive, Vermillion said, is a way for these teens to tackle hunger by using one of the donated $10 gift cards to an area grocery store or fast-food restaurant.

"The first year, we were so successful with the Plastic Food Drive that it carried us throughout the entire year," Vermillion said. "Our goal this year is to get $15,000 in donated gift cards."

Vermillion said these gift cards can help benefit more than 300 homeless teens in the valley. Most importantly, she said, these gift cards keep teenagers from sorting through Dumpsters for food and wondering where their next meal may come from, as they often experience on a daily basis.

Anthony, who asked not to reveal his last name, is one of these former teenagers who benefit ed from the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth's services. Anthony said initiatives such as the Plastic Food Drive benefit these teenagers beyond knowing they'll receive at least one needed, warm meal.

"The most important factor is the kids themselves," Anthony said. "It's supplemental to have them receive these services and help them get by, but these services give them motivation to actually help themselves."

Vermillion said the response with this year's Plastic Food Drive has been somewhat different from those in the past, as she has seen more generosity from the community than before.

"This year has been different because we've tapped into a new pool of donors," Vermillion said. "I see people at their best during the holiday season, and at this time of year, there's much more generosity from others. I think it speaks volumes about the community, and it helps us carry what's donated throughout the entire year."

One area of the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth's services that could benefit indirectly from the Plastic Food Drive, Vermillion said, is the organization's expansion of the William Fry Drop-In Center. Vermillion hopes the drive will increase awareness for the center and its services.

"We've raised more than $200,000 for our expansion to the building next door, but we still need $250,000 more," Vermillion said. "Our goal is to raise public awareness about (the organization) and show that people can help in any capacity, be it with this (plastic food drive) or clothing drives."

Donations of $10 gift cards to food establishments will be accepted in person between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday to Friday or by mail to the William Fry Drop-In Center, 4981 Shirley St., Las Vegas, NV 89119.

For more information, call 383-1332 or visit nphy.org.

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-0492.