Women’s Resource Society, Salvation Army seek winter clothing donations

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — With an extreme cold warning in effect throughout the region, the Women’s Resource Society and Salvation Army are looking for winter clothing donations to help community members in need.

Temperatures in the region are expected to reach lows of -50 with the wind chill this week. 

Lilly Loichinger, outreach store coordinator for the Women’s Resource Society, says they’re running through winter gloves and boots like “they’re worth gold.”

According to Loichinger, the same can be said for winter jackets, hats, face masks, scarves and ski pants for both men and women, as well as blankets and sleeping bags.

“I am so grateful to everyone who has donated sleeping bags, hand and toe warmers and long underwear,” Loichinger said. 

“All of which we will be needing more of.”

The society also accepts donations of non-perishable food items for their pantry.

Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, diapers size four and up, pull-ups and men’s and women’s Depends are needed as well.

A full list of items needed by the Women’s Resource Society can be found below:

Donations to the Women’s Resource Society can be brought to 9912 96th Avenue from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week.

According to executive director Jared Braun, the Salvation Army is also looking for similar items, namely winter jackets, gloves and warm socks.

“If people are inclined to donate those things, we are always very grateful to receive those items,” Braun said.

He says the local non-profit has been managing fairly well this week at the emergency shelter, averaging between 27 to 30 people each night, with a max capacity of 30.

“We’ve been able to accommodate everybody that’s been coming for emergency shelter beds,” Braun said.

The executive director also says the team works with those who may need to stay in the shelter for an extended period of time by trying to get them more stable housing. 

His team will accomplish this through transitional or supportive housing at the Northern Centre of Hope.

“[I’m] really grateful for our team that’s just working to ensure that as many people as possible have a warm place to stay,” Braun said.

“All those that are staying with us get at least two hot meals a day, and there’s always coffee on.”

Braun says the local warming centre, located at 10067 100th Avenue and operated by Northern Health, is also a helpful place during the day.

The Salvation Army food bank, located at 10116 100th Avenue, is also open during the week, except Wednesdays, for people to go in, warm up and get some food as well.

“It’s good to have these places that are available for people to get in from the frigid temperatures,” Braun said.

Donations for the Salvation Army can be brought to 10116 100th Avenue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Saturday.