SOUTH-CENTRAL : Penny Drive to Help Youth Trip to Africa

Teen Post Inc. is sponsoring a penny drive to raise funds for its third annual trip to Africa for local youths.

The proceeds from the drive, which began earlier this month, will help pay for a two-week tour of Egypt scheduled for July, said Georgia Hunt, director of the South-Central Teen Post.

As many as 10 youths from Teen Post’s Cultural Education Project will be selected for the trip, Hunt said. Each participant is expected to contribute about $2,500 toward air fare and lodging, and Teen Post will provide additional monies, Hunt said.

The program, started in 1989, focuses on providing a cultural and educational vacation for youths ages 9 to 17.

In past years, the program has taken students to Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

The Watts Credit Union is among local businesses supporting the program by collecting pennies.

“We’re interested in (this program) because we’re interested in all community projects that add to the quality of life here,” said Jim Taylor, chief executive officer of the Watts Credit Union.

“We’re encouraging our members to support this program.”

Teen Post Inc. provides field trips and mentoring for local youths in Chinatown, Venice, Pueblo del Rio and South-Central.

Information: (213) 232-2411.