This effort will provide sack lunches and personal care packages for homeless people; donations in advance are encouraged.

The UMKC campus will be closed for the holiday, but the partnership is designed to give the UMKC community an opportunity to “take the day on, not off.” The local effort is part of a nationwide volunteer effort led by the Human Rights Campaign, with activities in 20 cities.

In each of the communities, HRC and local partners are working together to address the challenge of LGBT youth homelessness. According to a study by the Williams Institute, The Palette Fund, and the True Colors Fund, LGBT youth make up to 40 percent of homeless and at-risk youth. Also, according to a study by Center for American Progress, LGBT youth are eight times more likely to commit suicide if rejected by family members.

In Kansas City, UMKC volunteers and other community members will assemble sack lunches and personal care packages for distribution to homeless people, working with  Neighbor 2 Neighbor, an organization that provides food 365 days a year to anyone in need in the Kansas City area. The volunteer effort will run from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Mary Kelly Center, 2803 E. 51st St. Pizza will be served to the volunteers. Volunteers, from UMKC or throughout the community, can sign up for the event at www.hrc.org/mlkkansascity.

The project is also collecting donations of food and personal care items in advance of the holiday event. People can purchase items through an Amazon Wish List at https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/8KYFG4CRI8RG/ref=cm_sw_su_w or drop off donations at Neighbor 2 Neighbor through Jan. 15 at 500 W. 40th St., Kansas City, Mo., during the following hours:

• Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Sunday: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.