Urgent Need for Winter Wear and Blankets at Local Shelters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Marilee Roloff
President/CEO
Volunteers of America
of Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho
509.842.6933

Spokane, Wash.– Dec. 10, 2013 – Due to recent low temperatures, local shelters and other housing programs run by Volunteers of America of Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho are in urgent need of new or used winter wear (hats, gloves, coats, etc.) and blankets of all sizes. Donations can be brought directly to the Crosswalk teen shelter (525 W Second Ave) at any time and will be distributed to homeless and low-income adults, youth, veterans and families throughout Volunteers of America programs.

“A warm coat or blanket can literally save a life in temperatures like we’ve been having,” says Marilee Roloff, president of Volunteers of America. “We are running low on really crucial items—hats, gloves, coats, blankets. We really need people to help us fill the gap.”

Items can be brought to Crosswalk teen shelter, which is open 24 hours, located at 525 W. 2nd Ave. (2nd & Howard) in downtown Spokane. Items will be distributed throughout Volunteers of America’s programs. For further information about donating or our programs call 509.624.2378 or visit www.voaspokane.org.

Items Needed (all sizes):

  • Blankets
  • Coats
  • Earmuffs
  • Gloves
  • Hand warmers
  • Hats
  • Long underwear
  • Scarves
  • Sweaters
  • Wool socks

Who Will Receive Donations?

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Established in Spokane in 1896, Volunteers of America of Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho works to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty by sheltering, feeding, housing, and caring for the most vulnerable people in our community while also providing opportunities for the kind of learning and achievement that foster lasting self-sufficiency. We offer homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing through a variety of programs including: Alexandria’s House maternity home; Aston-Bleck Apartments transitional housing for young women; Community-Based Housing permanent apartments; Crosswalk teen shelter; Crosswalk North Idaho drop-in center; Eagles’ Rest veterans home; Emergency Services for families in need; Flaherty House transitional housing for young men; Hope House women’s shelter; Independent Living for foster youth; and Rest & Recoup veterans home among others.