Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth in Las Vegas: Turning Gift Cards Into Hot Meals for Local Youth

Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth in Las Vegas: Turning Gift Cards Into Hot Meals for Local Youth

Scott Groves
March 06, 2026

Las Vegas knows a thing or two about hospitality—but for thousands of local students, a reliable meal isn’t always guaranteed. That’s where the Plastic Food Drive in Las Vegas comes in, an annual initiative from Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) aimed at making sure young people experiencing homelessness can access something as simple—and essential—as a hot meal.

Running March 1–31, 2026, the drive asks the community to donate restaurant and grocery store gift cards that can be distributed directly to youth in need.

And this year, there’s an extra incentive: Cox Communications will match donations up to $5,000, doubling the impact of community support.

Fighting Hunger for Youth Near UNLV and Across the Valley

According to Title I HOPE, more than 13,500 homeless students were enrolled in the Clark County School District during the 2024–2025 school year. Without stable housing, many also struggle to find consistent access to food.

That’s why gift cards play a crucial role. Unlike traditional food donations, they allow youth to quickly purchase meals wherever they are in the valley—especially during late hours when services may be closed.

“Young people in crisis face uncertainty 24 hours a day,” said Arash Ghafoori, CEO of Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth. “A simple restaurant or grocery gift card can give a young person immediate access to a hot meal anywhere in the valley.”

Community members can support the drive in several ways:

• Donate $15 fast-food restaurant gift cards
• Give $25–$50 grocery store gift cards
• Make a monetary donation online
• Host a small gift card drive with friends, coworkers, or family

Think of it as one of the easiest ways to turn spare change—or a quick grocery run—into something that truly matters.

A Local Nonprofit at the Heart of the Community

Since 2001, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth has become Southern Nevada’s most comprehensive service provider for youth experiencing homelessness.

Through emergency shelters, housing programs, a Drop-In Center near UNLV, and weekly outreach events, the organization helps young people stabilize their lives, finish school, pursue careers, and move toward long-term housing.

The Plastic Food Drive is one small but powerful part of that larger mission—ensuring no young person has to wonder where their next meal will come from.

Because in a city famous for buffets and late-night diners, no kid should be going hungry.

Essential Information

Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY)
📍 Address: 4981 Shirley St., Las Vegas, NV (near UNLV)
🕒 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📞 Phone: 702-688-1114
🌐 Website: https://www.nphy.org
🎁 Plastic Food Drive Info: https://www.nphy.org/campaigns/
💻 Donate Online: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/XQGNjg

Gift Card Drop-Off: NPHY Drop-In Center
Purchase Gift Cards: Amazon Wish List available through campaign page

Media Contacts

Lanette Rivera
Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth
📧 lanette@nphy.org
📞 702-688-1114

Gaby Rodriguez
The PMA Agency
📧 gaby@thePMAagency.com
📞 702-956-2233