IT TAKES A COMMUNITY TO CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY
It has been an amazing several weeks for the Warming Center for the City of Beckley as the number of guests, volunteers, and donations have exploded. The generosity of our volunteers has been overwhelming as 52 people including the Beckley Fire Department EMTs have come out in the cold and snow in the middle of the night to tend and care for our guests. Making soup, donating healthy food, purchasing blankets, pillows, hygiene supplies, hand warmers, hats, gloves, socks, and coats.
They have done whatever needs addressed, including shoveling and daily cleaning our facilities to have the Warming Center ready for the next night. With the long string of cold weather, we have already served and welcomed over 373 guests. A higher total than any previous years. There is no way to thank all the individuals, businesses, local charities, and churches that have come forward to assist us in making sure this ministry is available to those who need shelter from the cold. God has been so good to us! All the time!
March 31st is still a long way from now, so we are busy restocking, organizing, and preparing for the next nights we are called upon to be open. The Warming Center has served as inspiration for other communities and churches to partner with others and bring the same compassionate hospitality to many in other regions. Including but not limited to St. Paul’s Parkersburg, Bluewell (partnership with Salvation Army), Wyoming Charge, Clarksburg (site at First Church), Scott Mayberry, New Vison Depot, Epworth, Ripley and Duffey Memorial, Moorefield. Praise God for giving us the resources to care for those who are vulnerable in our communities. Thank you Church for all you have done to make the Warming Center a reality for our community!
Click here to read more from the February Newsletter