RUPERT W.Va. (WVDN) – With cold temperatures often the norm during the winter, Seneca Health and the Rupert Improvement Council are working to ensure people have a warm place to go when the wind chill dips below 25 degrees. Along with having a place to get in out of the cold, people can also get a hot meal free of charge at the warming station.
John Robinson is spearheading the project and is looking for volunteers to help staff the station when it is in use. Scheduling for volunteers is being done by Melissa Thornton and she can be reached at 304-661-3642.
The warming station itself is at the Rupert Community Center and during the last cold spell around 15 people took advantage of the warming station. That’s why volunteers are so important to the operation of the facility. Also, if females are at the facility, they would like to have female volunteers on hand.
Feeding is one of the volunteers’ responsibilities; food usually consists of soup and Ramen. Cleaning could be another responsibility, as could simply sitting with the people at the facility to keep them company.
The program started last year when an individual, who is no longer with Seneca Health, began reaching out to a few individuals, including John Robinson. It took off from there as a vital addition to the community.
Amber McHale, mental health case manager supervisor with Seneca Health said, “This is a wonderful program and I hope many individuals can take advantage of this.” Organizers hope community members will be willing to volunteer and they want the community to not hesitate to use the warming station if you need it. It is open anytime the windchill dips below 25°.
