Duke Givens, a local photographer who helps run a nonprofit called Care Closet LBC, is calling out to residents for donations to distribute within the increasing homeless population.

“The homeless situation is overwhelming,” he said, “and it’s freezing outside. We go out and meet the need.”

From 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, residents can drop off much-needed items such as sleeping bags, tents and socks at the Expo Arts Center in Bixby Knolls, 4321 Atlantic Ave. The event is COVID conscious, Givens said, and residents may drive by the side of the building to drop off their donations.

Duke Givens poses with Tabatha after collecting donated items such as clothing and personal hygiene products. Courtesy photo Duke Givens.
Duke Givens (left) at a donation giveaway event on Wednesday, Jan. 6 2021. Courtesy photo Duke Givens.

From there, Givens will drive under freeway overpasses and abandoned alleyways to give the donations directly to those who need it most.

While the COVD-19 pandemic continues to rage, the homeless challenge facing Long Beach is growing, Givens said.

“There’s a lot of homeless and broken people—large array of people,” Givens said. “They’re our homeless brothers and sisters. We got to help them.”