AKRON, Ohio — The city of Akron will operate a warming center from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 23 through Monday, Dec. 26 at the Summit Lake Community Center at 380 W. Crosier St, the city said in a release.
All other community centers will be closed for the holiday weekend, the city said.
An emergency overnight shelter, offering food, shelter and clothing, will be open from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m., Friday, Dec. 23 through Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 111 E. Voris St.
The emergency shelter, which opens when temperatures drop to 15 degrees, is in the former Family Promise Center at the Community Support Services Outreach building.
To get to the emergency shelter, take METRO bus No. 11 or No. 13 to the stop across from the Main Post Office on Wolf Ledges Parkway. E. Voris Street runs east and west across Wolf Ledges Parkway.
"Understanding that many public spaces may be closed for Christmas, we’ve opened up a center close to the emergency overnight shelter so residents can get out of the cold and enjoy some comfort and holiday spirit for the weekend," said Mayor Dan Horrigan.
The emergency overnight shelter is a community partnership between the Peter Maurin Center, the Summit County Continuum of Care and Community Support Services.
The Peter Maurin Center, an outreach ministry in South Akron, is in need of new or gently used winter wear, the organization said. Donated clothing will be cleaned and given to guests of the emergency shelter and the Peter Maurin Center.
Interested community members can sign up online to volunteer at the shelter, or donate food and supplies. Items most needed, in order of priority, include:
- winter boots
- gloves
- men/women underwear
- thermal underwear
- jackets/coats
- scarves, hats and ear muffs
- snow clothes
Non-perishable and canned food items are also accepted and can be dropped off at the Peter Maurin Center, 1096 S. Main St.
Drop-off hours are 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday, and 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, send an email or call 330-554-1087.