As the seasons begin to shift from winter to spring, local needs continue to abound for area shelters.
This includes both SOS and the Emporia Rescue Mission. Rescue Mission Director Lee Alderman says this winter season they saw a major uptick in needs, specifically for food.
According to Alderman this year they saw more individuals than in year’s past. This includes individuals in need recently lining up roughly an hour and a half early each morning just to pick up small boxes of food from Abundant Harvest.
Alderman adds the need for food is not the only one they are currently working to address.
Specifically, they are looking for donations of springtime clothing as bitter cold conditions appear to be coming to an end. This includes long and short sleeved t-shirts, hoodies, blue jeans, and good quality socks and underwear. Last week began the annual Feinstein Challenge which the Emporia Rescue Mission has participated in for the past several years.
Alderman tells KVOE News, on top of the Feinstein Match for any and all monetary donations, an anonymous donor recently announced they would be matching any and all donations from now until April 30 up to $25,000.
In terms of SOS services this year, director Connie Cahoone says they did not see a major uptick in most areas during the winter season. She tells KVOE News there was a slight uptick in the amount of winter clothing, specifically coats, they handed out but most of their clients were well prepared in advance of the winter season.
Cahoone says currently rather than a need to fight the weather, their clients are in need of supplies for their homes.
If you would like to donate to SOS you may do so by dropping off donations at 618 Mechanic Street. You may also mail monetary donations to PO Box 1191 and be sure to make any checks out to SOS.
Any and all monetary donations for Emporia Rescue Mission may be sent to PO Box 901 or delivered to 1119 Merchant Street.
For more information contact SOS at 620-343-8799 or Lee Alderman at 620-794-2977.
