FARMINGTON – Three local churches are planning to operate a rotating warming center over the next three months, providing much-needed heat, food and friendship for residents in need this winter.
But they can’t do it alone.
Starting Jan. 6, the Henderson Baptist Church on Academy Street, pictured above, will be open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for folks in need of some company and a hot meal. The center will have activities and games, serve coffee, soup and tea and offer a noon-time lunch. Cots will be available for people wanting a chance to nap someplace warm.
The center will be open every Tuesday and Thursday after Jan. 6, moving to the St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church on Middle Street in February and the Old South First Congregational Church on Main Street in March.
While the project requires a great number of volunteers, resources and complex arrangements, Henderson Baptist Church Pastor Susan Crane said that the goal is simple.
“We know there are people who can’t afford to heat their homes in pretty chilly conditions,” she said. “I suspect the biggest draw will be the meal.”
Crane hopes to seat as many as 50 people, with the meal being provided by SeniorsPlus. A small donation is requested in exchange. However, Crane’s organization still could use several things prior to opening the center. These include:
5 lb. can of coffee
Large can of cocoa
Cookies, bars for snacks
SOUP, will make at home & bring
Banana bread, coffee cake
Tea bags & sugar packets
1 gallon whole milk for coffee
Fresh fruit for snacks
1 gallon 2-percent milk for cocoa
Cocoa Mix in packets
SOUP, will make at church
Hand sanitizer
However, more importantly, Crane is looking for people to volunteer their time at the center. She noted that the churches themselves had little money to hire assistance for the project and would be relying on locals to set up tables and cots, help with lunch, and simply sit and talk with the guests.
“This is totally a no-budget project,” Crane said. “None of these churches have any money. We’re hoping to fill a few teams.”
Crane is looking for volunteers to fill seven teams, with each team consisting of three members:
A TEAM (9:00-11:00 AM). Shovel/salt/sand sidewalk into church; put out No Parking signs. Assist with unloading Seniors Plus food delivery. Open the warming center at 10. Be sure Center is clean, neat and welcoming; bathroom is stocked. Make coffee and plug in hot water pot. Put out cups and napkins.
B TEAM (10:00-12:00). Welcome new arrivals, show them around. Sit and visit with guests. Offer to play games or make puzzles, so people begin to feel at home. Special activities may be offered. Members of this team might wish to lead an activity. Please schedule special activities with the WC Director ahead of time.
C TEAM (11:00-1:00). Meal set up. This team will need six people. Invite some guests to help set tables for noon meal and prepare beverages. Two team members will work in kitchen to heat Seniors Plus meal for serving.
D TEAM (12:00-2:00). Meal clean up. Plan to eat the meal and visit with guests. After the meal, ask for guests to help you clear and sanitize tables. Set up cots, if someone asks to take a nap. Games, puzzles,activities.
E TEAM (12:00-2:00). Dishes. Wash, dry and put away dishes; or dispose of paper products. Carry trash to dumpster. Be sure to let guests help.
F TEAM (1:00-4:00). Visit with guests. Lead an activity (cooking, crafts, knitting). Programs and special activities may be scheduled for afternoon times. This is a time for just hanging out and listening to folks.
G TEAM (3:00-4:30). Invite helpers to sweep floor just before closing. Tidy the room, check the bathroom. Be sure sidewalk to street stays clear of snow and ice. Assist with calling transportation, or reminding guests when their time for pick-up is approaching. Be sure all garbage is taken to dumpster, all coffee pots are unplugged and cleaned. Lights out, door locked. Money counted and turned in.
An orientation meeting is scheduled for Jan. 5 for volunteers at 1 p.m. at Henderson Baptist Church. Anyone with questions can contact Pastor Susan Crane at 778-2163 or email: cranewolcott@verizon.net
