Donations Are Needed at Warming Center

Warming Center at (previous) Lafayette School – Entrance is at the rear of the building.
Photo: Sean Cogswell

By Lee Burnett, Submissions Editor

York County Shelters is appealing for donations of food and clothing for people staying at the warming center at the former Lafayette School.

The donations would supplement existing services, which include basic meals, day beds called “zero gravity chairs,” case management and housing navigation, explained Bonnie Leslie, director of People, Culture and Engagement.

“We are hoping restaurants could donate,” said Leslie. “Let us know, we’ll pick it up – sandwiches, donuts.”

Cold-weather clothing is also welcome, she said.

“Gloves, fantastic. Blankets, yes,” she said.

The shelter is open around the clock. Volunteers are not needed to staff shifts because all positions require training, she said.

Increasing numbers of people are coming to the center after a slow start two weeks ago. “You’ve got to build trust. This is new,” she said. The warming center has a capacity of 44. A recent count by Sanford police documented more than 150 individuals living in tents and in their cars.

Leslie can be reached at 324-1137 or bleslie@ycspi.org