LEWISTON – Young People of the Lewiston Auburn Area (YPLAA) is collecting dry goods for Hope Haven Gospel Mission, a homeless shelter that works to serve the needs of the homeless, hungry and poor of Central Maine.

YPLAA will collect diapers, zip lock bags, paper plates and cups, paper towels and 30-gallon trash bags throughout March.

The Hope Haven donation project is an effort of the YPLAA Community Involvement Committee, which works to organize volunteer opportunities for members and further YPLAA’s mission of engaging young professionals in the community.

Jennifer Richard, committee chairwoman, said members have been looking for opportunities to give back to the community.

She said, “Our efforts are aimed at providing a variety of options for members to actively contribute to local nonprofit organizations, which has included a food drive for Good Shepherd Food-Bank, a playground clean-up at Androscoggin Head Start and the dry goods drive for Hope Haven.”

Donations will be collected at the Thursday, March 27, YPLAA networking event at DaVinci’s from 5 to 7 p.m. A representative from Hope Haven will be on hand to accept the items.

Donations may also be dropped off at the Chamber of Commerce or other community collection boxes. For more information, visit www.yplaa.com or call Richard at the chamber, 783-2249.

The YPLAA is working to establish a connected young professional community. For more information, visit www.yplaa.com.