Abbeville opens a ‘warming center’

The city of Abbeville will set up a warming center in the Recreation building at A.A. Comeaux Park.
The facility, which officially opened at 3 p.m. on Monday, will remain open until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17. The address for the warming center is located at 301 A.A Comeaux Memorial Dr. in Abbeville.
“If you know of anyone in the community who needs to get out of the elements,” Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White said, “please direct them to the recreation center.”
More information is available by calling 337-893-8550 for more information.
“Note we will not be able to cook meals at the center,” White said, “but we will have a microwave self-serve station set up for use.
White said the following items could be used through donations:

Hot drink dry packets such as:
-hot chocolate
-tea

Individual packs of microwaveable food such as:
-Mac and Cheese
-Ramon Noodles
-Instant Oatmeal
-Grits
-Fresh Fruits or Vegetables

-Paper Towels
-Spoons/Forks
-Paper Bowls/Plates

All other donations for food can go through the Christian Service Center as they will prepare daily community meals in their commercial kitchen. If you would like to contribute to the community food efforts, contact the Christian Service Center at 337-893-9756. The Christian Service Center is located at 701 Chevis St. in Abbeville.
White said despite city hall being closed on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the city team is on 24-hour call. If you need assistance shutting off the water to your home, please call.
“We are running 24-hour operators at the water plant and have a freeze plan in place,” White said, “but it is important that everyone do their part by protecting your property from leaks. If you do not take precautions, your pipes will freeze. As temperatures rise and pipes thaw if you see a water leak at your home or in your neighborhood please call.
Again, the number to contact the city for such issues is 337-893-8550.
“We have had many requests about donating items needed for warming center,” White said.
The following items are what White said are believed to be most needed:

Personal hygiene kits including items like:
-toothpaste
-toothbrush
-body cleansing wipes
-deodorant
-lotion
-individual hand sanitizer

Personal warming items:
-Coats new or gently used
-Gloves
-Warm Socks
-Beanies
-Scarves
-Clean Blankets
-Sleeping Bags

The Christian Service center will be open daily 8 a.m. to noon. You can drop items there or bring to the warming center at AA Comeaux.
“Due to capacity and staffing issues, we ask that you limit clothing items,” White said. “If we have a community member in need of additional items, we will post that request as needed.
White said prior to the warming center opening that the still sought volunteers to work shifts to help man the warming center. If you would like to volunteer, please email your name, phone number and email address to clejeune@cityofabbeville.net. The city will respond to emails as time allows.
“The next few days will be challenging but the city team is prepared, and we are here if you need,” White said.