This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The Salt Lake Tribune is inviting readers to help us support Volunteers of America, a nonprofit that helps homeless teens, this holiday season.

Starting on Black Friday, Tribune staff will accept donations from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Volunteers of America Youth Resource Center, 888 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City.

Staffers also will accept contributions during the same hours for the following three Fridays: Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16. The center is seeking donations of warm clothing, blankets and cash.

The $6 million facility opened in June to serve homeless people ages 15 to 22, and its shelter and resource center was full by the end of the first week. By mid-November, it had served 372 young people. For each donation worth $25, donors will receive a raffle ticket to enter into a drawing for one of four prizes: A signed Pat Bagley print, a screening party with Tribune TV critic Scott Pierce watching a show before it airs for the general public, lunch with columnist Robert Kirby or a behind-the-scenes Utah Jazz experience, including a spot at the postgame news conference. Find details about the prizes at sltrib.com/holidaycharity.

If you need to make alternative arrangements to drop off items, please contact dara@sltrib.com. All donations are tax deductible.

The greatest needs for the VOA's Youth Resource Center include:

• Cash donations and $5 gift cards for fast food restaurants and grocery stores.

• Coats, jackets and rain ponchos; gloves; winter socks and boots; hand warmers and thermals.

• Men's jeans, sizes 32, 34, 36.

• Sleeping bags, tents and tarps.

• Meals that can be directly eaten from the can (including chili, stew, soup and spaghetti) and granola bars.

• Baby diapers (size 5 and 6) and baby wipes.

• Bike tire repair kits

• Bus tokens

VOA shelters and programs also need:

• Toiletries

• Backpacks

• School supplies

• Books and DVDs

• Toys and games

• Household items