Ermelo’s winter chill calls for warm hearts
Lighthouse needs donations of clothing and food for needy, preparing for winter.
ERMELO – As the chill of winter begins to settle over the town, with night time temperatures dropping, Lighthouse Ermelo needs the community’s help for donations of warm clothing, footwear and non-perishable food items to support the town’s most vulnerable residents.
Yzelle Swart, the centre’s manager, said the their greatest need is for teenage size clothing, but emphasised that contributions of any size would be welcomed and appreciated.
Donations of shoes in any size, as well as socks, beanies, scarves and blankets, will be gratefully received and recorded upon distribution.
The centre is also in need of dry food to make their meals more filling during the cold days: such as beans, lentils, soup mix, and soya mince.
Swart said that residents tend to lose weight in winter because they are always cold and shivering, and the extra soup helps them stay warmer for longer.
“Unfortunately, Ermelo does not have an overnight shelter at this time. We assist people on the streets as much as possible to stay warm, as most of them have nowhere to go at night and finding a hiding spot to sleep in,” Swart said.
Donations can be dropped off at the Lighthouse, or pickup can be arranged.
Read the complete article in Highvelder.
