Aug. 29, 2023

Washington Gas is honored to be a community partner that the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) can count on for food distribution in Prince George’s County. Our smiling volunteers are onsite at the LAYC location in Riverdale, Maryland, each month and have donated hundreds of hours to help distribute over 4,100 food boxes to more than 24,000 people across Maryland since February 2022.

Ensuring a consistent, nutritious food supply is a persistent issue in Maryland. In response, LAYC initiated this monthly food distribution program that seeks to assist a significant percentage of households that face this challenge. Food sponsors include the Capital Area Food Bank, Passion and Compassion, Giant Food and Prince George's County Food Equality Council.

“The LAYC food distribution allows Washington Gas employees to donate their time and energy toward a great cause that makes a difference in our community,” said Alexandra Balbuena Alleyne, Latino Outreach Community Engagement Specialist. “It also provides a perfect opportunity for employees across the company to share their years of experience while building camaraderie. It's a win-win-win for LAYC, our employees and the company.”

LAYC food distribution is open to all households in the Prince George’s County area. In addition to canned goods and other non-perishable items, seasonal produce such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and onions are readily available. Various fresh fruits and greens are distributed in season, and events such as holidays and back-to-school months may also feature additional non-food items.

In the coming months, Washington Gas Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) will continue assisting LAYC with their highly successful service to local communities. For more information about how you can support LAYC, visit https://www.layc-dc.org/.

Want to see more compassion in action? View our LAYC Instagram post for delicious food and smiling faces.

More About LAYC

The Latin American Youth Center, founded in 1968, is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Latinx youth, immigrants and other underserved communities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Initially established to provide support and opportunities for Latinx youth, LAYC has since expanded its scope to include a broader range of communities, focusing on low-income families, at-risk youth and individuals facing numerous challenges.

LAYC's core mission promotes self-sufficiency, equity and empowerment, enabling individuals to reach their full potential despite systemic barriers. Over the years, the organization has introduced various programs, including educational support, job training, mental health services and housing assistance, all aimed at addressing the multifaceted needs of the community.