n278808682106_7094 Three LGBT community centers in the greater Hudson Valley will hold events this winter aimed at helping those in need in their local communities by gathering donations of food and clothing to help area food banks, pantries, and shelters.

On Saturday, February 6th the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center and the LOFT Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Services Center for the Lower Hudson Valley will co-sponsor an evening of “Sharing the Love,” with each center hosting a dance party in its home city.  In return for free admission to each event, members and friends of the Center and the LOFT will be asked to bring a donation for local food banks and pantries.  Attendees are asked to donate non-perishable
items such as oatmeal, cornmeal, lentils, dry beans, canned beans, whole grains, canned pumpkin, coffee, tea bags, hot cocoa mix, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, maple syrup, honey, sugar, and cleaning supplies.  The Center’s event, featuring the music of DJ John Martin, will benefit Angel Food East, Family of Woodstock, and the Queen’s Galley, while the LOFT’s event will benefit AIDS Related Community Services (ARCS).

On Friday, March 5th the Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council (CDGLCC), the oldest gay and lesbian community center in the United States, will kick off its 40th anniversary celebration by holding a “Sharing the Love” event featuring a performance by the CDGLCC’s Queer Youth Chorus, and a special appearance by Tiffany, the ’80s pop queen who took “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Could’ve Been” to the top of the charts.  Participants who purchase tickets to this event will be asked to also bring donations of warm clothing for the Equinox Youth Shelter.

“We were elated by the response to last year’s ‘Sharing the Love’ events in Kingston and White Plains,” said Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center President Ginny Apuzzo, “and we’re delighted that Albany is joining in with us this year.  Being a good neighbor is a key value for all our community centers, and in the continuing economic climate, the needs are as great as ever.”

All “Sharing the Love” events will take place from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., with the LOFT party in Asbury Hall, on the grounds of the Memorial United Methodist Church, at 250 Bryant Avenue in White Plains; the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center party at its building at 300 Wall Street in Kingston; and the CDGLCC’s event at the State Room, 142 State Street in Albany.  For tickets to “Sharing the Love” in Albany, call (518) 462-6138.  For other information, visit www.lgbtqcenter.org, www.loftgaycenter.org or www.cdglcc.org.

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