John,

We all know the joys of receiving a present in the mail. For queer and trans youth in the South who are being faced with state laws that restrict their freedom to be themselves, simple joys like these are even more important. That's why we send care packages to families we support with the essentials, like grocery store gift cards and notebooks, and fun stuff like stickers, posters, and wellness pamphlets.

This year we also distributed packages to several organizations that care for young people experiencing challenging economic situations. LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than their non-LGBTQ+ peers to experience food insecurity, so we included a $25 grocery check in the care packages that can be used at almost any grocery store in the US for any food item.

It's on all of us to show LGBTQ+ youth and their families that we have their backs, and these care packages are one of the ways we show them our community is here for them. If you're able, donate $5, $10, or whatever you can give – or sponsor a full care package for $50 today.

Each care package is prepared with love by a team of fantastic volunteers in Asheville. While the contents have evolved over the last three years, every care package contains some core items for young folks – a backpack, a notebook, a pen or pencil, and a message of support from allies like you telling queer youth to stay strong and keep their heads up in the face of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. 

LGBTQ+ youth deserve a lot of extra love right now as they grapple with the election results and recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation – including many laws specifically targeting transgender youth. Chip in today to help us keep sending these care packages to young people who need our support.

Queer and trans youth deserve to be affirmed and celebrated as they grow into themselves. While we work to fight discriminatory laws, we also must support young people however we can – by speaking about LGBTQ+ equality with our friends and neighbors, showing support for queer people in our lives and in the media, and in our case, sending a little love via a care package with affirming school supplies and messages. Thank you for helping us show these young people just how many people support them during this difficult time.

With love and gratitude,
Lachlan Lane
They/Them
Impact Coordinator
Campaign for Southern Equality

P.S. If you can't donate but still want to help us spread the love, click here to send a message of support to trans youth – we include one of these letters in every care package!