The young but ambitious organization TransSOCIAL is working to set the table for homeless LGBT youth this holiday season.

“My husband Morgan and I founded TransSOCIAL South Florida to promote unity within the LGBTQA umbrella,” said Ashley Mayfaire, co-founder of the local organization. They began in August, hoping to help the trans community reach out and socialize. They host a website that features a centralized community calendar of trans-inclusive events across Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

TransSOCIAL also works to connect the community with legal assistance, and has partnered with Florida Atlantic University among other groups for causes such as trans voting rights and Transgender Awareness Week.

Ultimately their goal is to unify the LGBT community.

Their biggest current event, the Holiday Collection Drive, is being held to support Project SAFE, a nation-wide organization that helps provide accommodations to homeless LGBT youth. All donations can be left at Sunserve’s main office in Wilton Manors, as well as the Dynamic Recovery Center in Oakland Park. Those who live closer to Miami have the option of leaving donations at Pridelines or at Florida International University’s LGBTQIA Initiatives Office.

“These LGBTQ youth receive nothing during the holidays, and so this year we want to let them know that their community loves and supports them,” said Mayfaire.

TransSOCIAL’s website features a donation wish list, with a variety of examples listed below.

Feminine items: Hair products Wigs Small makeup kits Costume jewelry Bra stuffers Feminine underwear [new, all sizes] New bras Purses Accessories Masculine items: Binders Packers Belts Ties Wallets Boxers & underwear [new, all sizes] Clothing and More: Formal attire for interviews New socks Backpacks Tote bags Casual clothing Shoes (used or new, all sizes) School supplies Bedding (sheets and pillows) Cleaning supplies Books Inexpensive ear buds Small radios Small alarm clocks Baby-related items Gift Cards to places such as Publix, Walmart, Target, Winn-Dixie, or for fast food locations Toiletries, such as shampoo and conditioner, soap, lotion, shavers and shaving cream, hair brushes, deodorant, feminine products, condoms, tissues, wash cloths, towels, makeup remover pads, laundry soap and dryer sheets, and first aid kits

If donating in person is too difficult, TransSOCIAL encourages those interested to donate funds directly at Project SAFE’s website, ProjectSafe.Info. A donation as low as $20 can provide a hygiene kit, while $50 provides a night of emergency housing, and $100 could feed ten homeless youths with their own Publix gift card.

For more info about making a donation, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit TransSOCIAL.org/Project-SAFE-Holiday-Collection

To donate directly to Project SAFE, visit ProjectSafe.info