Jan. 6—With freezing temperatures and winter weather in the forecast this week, a McAlester church will open a warming station beginning Thursday.
The station will open at 12 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 at the All Saints Episcopal Church located at 325 E. Washington Ave. in McAlester.
According to the church, the warming station will be open until 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11.
Humanity918 is partnering with All Saints Episcopal Church and First United Methodist Church in preparing the emergency shelter and are running a donation drive.
Items that are being asked for include cases of water, socks, sweatpants/sweatshirts, underwear, towels, hygiene items, and food for dogs and cats.
Items can be dropped off at Southeastern Oklahoma Social Services at 512 E. Chickasaw, Oklahoma Journal at 519 E. Cherokee, First United Methodist Church at 1501 S. 13th St., and All Saints Episcopal Church.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, temperatures in McAlester will be in the low 30s on Thursday with a 50% chance of snow showers. Thursday night calls for a low around 24 with a 70% chance of snow showers. Forecasts as of Monday call for two to four inches of snow in the McAlester area.
Hot food will be provided at the warming station along with cots and sleeping bags for those who utilize the shelter.
Animals will be welcome and will be kept in crates/cages at all times. Donations of crates and cages for animals will also be accepted.
For more information, contact All Saints Episcopal Church at 918-423-1915.