With the harsh New England winter quickly approaching, the problem of homelessness is once again brought to the forefront of public consciousness.

As part of “Fannie May Help the Homeless Day,” UMass Boston is hosting a service event on Nov. 17.

Items Needed For Care Packages? Individual sized toothpaste? Tooth brushes? Disposable razors? Stick deodorant? Denture adhesive and cleaner? Underwear all sizes from small to XXL? Gloves? Ponchos? Phone cards and cash donations are also welcomeFollowing the theme Fannie May has adopted for this year of “20 Years of Helping the Homeless,” the city of Boston will be hosting 20 community service events aimed at helping the homeless throughout the city.

UMass Boston has chosen not only to help the homeless, but specifically homeless veterans. With a large number of veterans attending classes at the university as well as some students currently serving overseas, focusing the efforts of UMass Boston on helping veterans seemed to be the best option.

Students, faculty and staff at UMass Boston are asked to volunteer to help assembling care packages to be delivered to the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans.

Students are also asked to contribute in any way possible in hopes of creating 300 of these care packages. Contributions of both time and supplies are welcome.

Care packages will be comprised of much needed toiletries. Bags appropriate for carrying these toiletries, such as knapsacks, satchels and canvas totes, are needed, along with the items to fill those bags.

Volunteers will gather in the Ryan Lounge on the third floor of the McCormack Building to assemble the care packages.

As part of the festivities, participants from all of the service projects across the city will be invited to a special luncheon with Boston mayor Thomas Menino at a location to be named soon, likely UMass Boston.

So, come to the Ryan Lounge on Nov. 17 and help the homeless veterans. And, have lunch with the Mayor. For more information or to make donations contact Jain Ruvidich-Higgins at [email protected] or at 617-287-7919.