Letters: Warming Center


As a child I can recall the excitement the first snow brought with it. Students would abandon their lessons and rush to the windows of Ridgefield Elementary to look with wonder at the sight. My classmates and I could barely contain ourselves as we waited for the recess bell to ring.


Snow brought all manner of fun; the building of forts and snowmen, angelic snow angels and wicked snow ball battles. It was all so wonderful.


That was more than 40 years ago, and although I have put many childhood things away, I doubt I will ever be willing to abandon these memories. I think many of your readers who were raised here enjoy the same memories.


As an adult I still love to see the season change. However the memories I have made in adulthood have been tempered by the larger reality of what the first snow and the coming of winter brings;more specifically, the vital need to maintain shelter and heat. Sadly many of our neighbors, Men, Women, and Children will lack access to one or both of these this year.


For the past 6 years the Mental Health Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania has operated a warming shelter at MHA each time the overnight temperature falls below 25 degrees. The shelter's doors open from 11 PM to 7 in the morning. Last season the doors opened a record 91 times. Therefore it is once again critical that we assist our neighbors in need.


To make a donation to this effort go to www.MHANP.org. There you will find a wish list of needed items. They are also in critical need of financial support. Alternately you, your school, work place, or faith community can call Bill Grove, C.E.O of the Mental Health Association at (814) 452-4462 Extension 100 for additional information or with questions.


Brian Mclaughlin Erie