The Salvation Army and the Colorado Springs Rescue Mission rely on community donations to give winter gear to people in need.
“If you don’t have clothes designed for [a snowstorm], you’re going to freeze to death,” said Kelly Danforth.
Danforth lived in a tent for two winters before going to the rescue mission.
“It was horrible, the snow is so deep, it’s so cold, you really don’t want and can’t leave your tent because if you unzip it, it lets all the cold in, it lets all the water in,” said Danforth.
Danforth told me she got a jacket, hat, scarf and gloves. She’s thankful for a place to sleep and hot meals. “The Mission is a lifesaver, truly.”
The Misson’s interim CEO, Travis Williams, said they start collecting coats in the summer.
“We always need these items throughout the year, even if we have enough for this storm, we’re not 100% sure what the next storm is going to look like,” said Williams.
The Salvation Army doesn’t have enough winter gear for families at its overnight shelter right now.