Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

We are once again gearing up to help our LGBTQ neighbors during the holiday season. This year we are highlighting several organizations conducting their own holiday drives. Please give what you can to help those who need our support. Of course, financial gifts to any LGBTQ organization are very welcome, but we know that some folks really like to give a tangible gift.

The Persad SAGE program works with isolated LGBTQ elders and seniors, some of whom don’t have family and all of whom live in rural communities. For several years now, we’ve collected gift cards so each person will know that their community remembers and supports them.

I spoke with Kathi Boyle from SAGE and she told me that this year, they are asking for all Giant Eagle gift cards. These are valued because they can be used for food as well as gas. Some folks who don’t have cars will use the cards to ‘pay’ people for rides to their appointments, grocery shopping, etc. And if they would like to use the gift card to choose their own gift, this gives them the dignity to do so.

We need cards for 6 people. There’s no maximum as everyone in this group is living on a very fixed income so each $$ is useful.  Cards be dropped at the front desk at Persad during business hours or mailed to:

Persad Center – SAGE Program
5301 Butler Street, Suite 100
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Attn: Kathi Boyle

Any quantity and amount helps – Kathi sorts the total cards out and distributes them fairly among the various neighbors. You can purchase Giant Eagle cards online via their website, setting Persad’s address as the shipping address. You can also make a financial donation to Persad online with a note to use the funds for SAGE.

Proud Haven is also collecting gift cards, in this case to support homeless LGBTQ youth. They offer the cards to youth to select their own new winter coat and accessories. Proud Haven only accepts cards from Burlington Coat Factory. You can purchase cards online and send them to

Proud Haven
5132 Butler St.
Pittsburgh PA 15201

If you want to make arrangements to take cards directly to a Proud Haven staff or board member, please email admin@proudhaven.org

The Velvet Hearts are supporting homeless women and nonbinary neighbors through a product drive for health supplies. Items will be distributed through New Voices Pittsburgh. They plan  to collect feminine hygiene products and cold weather necessities. It’s important to help homeless women keep their dignity by having access to clean, safe feminine products.

We’re collecting: tampons, pads, liners, and cups first and foremost
Also accepting: New bras, new ladies and girls underwear, ladies toiletries (deoderant, soap, shampoo, etc.), ladies pajamas, and diapers and wipes for babies,

You can shop via the Amazon list & ship directly to the org. Donations can be brought to Better. a studio for you in Bloomfield during any class, and also accepted at any Velvet Hearts! show between now and December 31. We will announce collection locations and events as they come up.

Better. a studio
4514 Liberty Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15224

If you are interested in supporting #AMPLIFY during the holidays, we have these jaunty pink tee shirts for sale. You can buy one for yourself or make a donation so a shirt can be directed to someone without the means to but it.