Mary O’KEEFE

Since 1981 the Bailey Human Care Center has supported families in need and the homeless in the areas of La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, far north Glendale, Lake View Terrace and Sunland/Tujunga. The center is part of a community outreach program of the Tujunga United Methodist Church and is an entirely volunteer run organization. The Bailey Center offers food and clothing for those in need and lately the requests for items have been increasing.

“Right now we are in need of winter clothes,” said Loretta Cole, volunteer and coordinator for the Bailey Center. She added over the holidays volunteers have seen an increase in requests for items.

The Center has a free clothing store that is open on Fridays. To get support at the Bailey Center those requesting items must show identification that states they live within the areas covered. Cole said they see many individuals who are homeless and also families who have suffered a tragedy, like the loss of a head of a household or who have lost jobs. In addition they see seniors who simply cannot make it on their Social Security benefits or pensions.

The need for help is increasing and the Bailey Center continues to need help.

“We need volunteers,” Cole said.

Volunteers are needed who can help with unloading and organizing food donations on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Cole said volunteers don’t have to work the entire time and can work as little as one day if available.

The Center needs food like peanut butter, canned soup, vegetables and packs of instant oatmeal. It needs clothing for all ages and genders, but are most lacking in men’s clothing. There is also a need for hygiene kits and medical equipment like walkers.

“And this time of year we need winter coats and sweaters,” Cole added.

For those who have more questions or would like to donate, contact Cole at (818) 516-7129. CVW, Prom Plus Club and the Fire House youth center are also collecting items for Bailey Center. For those who would like to donate, email mary@cvweekly.com or call (818) 248-2740.

The Center is open with food services on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the second and fourth Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. The Clothes Closet is open on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the second and fourth Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  The Center is located at Tujunga United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, 9901 Tujunga Canyon Blvd. in Tujunga.

  Mary Okeefe