Casa Esperanza Seeks Toys and Basics

For two years Casa Esperanza, or House of Hope, has held Christmas toy drives for the children of the poor Latino immigrants who live on Blythe Street.

But this year the nonprofit social services agency, which operates out of a rundown apartment building on Blythe Street, is also collecting basic goods for the 300 families it regularly serves.

“A lot of them don’t even have food,” said Maritza Artan, director of Casa Esperanza. “We want to be able to give the parents food too.”

Artan added that there’s a desperate need for blankets since many of the old Blythe Street apartments don’t have heat and residents often go cold.

“Most of them have no type of heating,” she said.

“The kids are cold and so is the entire family.”

Used or new winter clothes for adults and children would be especially appreciated, she said.

Donations will be accepted at Casa Esperanza’s Panorama City office, 14612 Blythe St., Apt. 7, or call Casa Esperanza at (818) 786-1076 to arrange a pickup.