Tuscaloosa Co. Warming Station Needs Donations

Freezing temperatures can be deadly for those with substandard housing and the homeless. A Warming Center is open all this week as the area is experiencing severe cold and is under a risk for significant winter weather. However, the Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Agency and the Compassion Coalition need your help.

Donations of non-perishable food items, brand-new twin-size blankets and travel-sized pillows are needed for those staying at the station to escape the freezing temperatures.

Tuscaloosa County EMA Director Nick Lolley says the station is averaging some 21 occupants but expects more with the forecast predicting potential for worsening winter weather tomorrow and into Saturday morning.

"Some of these people do not have a place to go where there is adequate protection from the cold," Lolley stated.

A trailer has been placed in the Tuscaloosa County EMA parking lot (7400 Richard M. Pierce Parkway in Northport) between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. this week for people to drop off items for use at the warming station.

If you cannot make it by EMA before 4:30pm and after-hours drop-off has been set up at the entrance to the Emergency Operations Center. Items may be left in bins that have been placed at the outside entrance.

Authorities believe the deaths of three people in Jefferson County are the result of hypothermia attributable to the freezing temperatures of the last several days. Areas along Interstate 20 will see a good mix of freezing rain and snow mix which is leading to concern that more people may be at risk.

Anyone in need of a warming shelter is encouraged to call 205-710-6766 and provide an operator with their name, a callback number, their current location in Tuscaloosa County and the number of people in need of shelter.