Volunteers sustain 17 years of warmth for Middletown's needy

In the United States, the Greater Middletown Interfaith Council has been operating a warming station for 17 years, providing support to those in need during the winter months. This season, the station is running smoothly with the help of an incredible team of dedicated volunteers from surrounding communities. Coordinating committee co-chair Marilyn Pierce shared that almost all volunteer positions have been filled until the end of January, highlighting the community's commitment to those struggling in harsh weather conditions. Many volunteers have deep personal ties to the station, with some, like Middletown resident, who began by delivering homemade meals after seeing an urgent call for help on social media, now taking on leadership roles within the organization. The involvement of young volunteers, such as Middletown High School student Zaninovic, has also become a significant aspect of the station's operation, showing how the experience can inspire future commitments to community service. The warming station has had previous locations but now maintains a positive relationship with the city, ensuring that it can provide timely assistance to guests experiencing emergencies, such as issues with heating or transportation. The sense of community is prevalent, with stories of kindness and compassion from both volunteers and guests being shared, demonstrating the warming station’s role not just as a shelter, but as a place where humanity is emphasized. Through the station, local leaders from different faiths gather to show their support by offering prayers and initiating a culture of togetherness, especially on opening night. The station opens its doors nightly from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., remaining available until April 3, 2025, continuing its longstanding history of helping people in Middletown through difficult times.