Winter Weather Brings Urgent Needs to Winston-Salem Families
Winter Weather Brings Urgent Needs to Winston-Salem Families
As snow and icy conditions continue to cover Winston-Salem and the surrounding communities, many of us prepare by pulling warm coats from closets, turning up the heat, and stocking our kitchens. But for thousands of children and adults in our area, winter brings a very different reality — one marked by uncertainty, discomfort, and real danger from the cold.
The Hidden Cost of Winter
In neighborhoods across Winston-Salem, families are facing temperatures they are not equipped to handle. Local schools and community partners report that thousands of children and adults do not have proper winter coats. Many are wearing thin hoodies or light jackets that provide little protection against freezing wind and icy precipitation. For children waiting at bus stops before sunrise and for seniors walking to essential appointments, exposure to cold weather is not just uncomfortable — it can be harmful to their health and safety.
Choosing Between Heat and Essentials
Winter also brings a surge in utility bills. As temperatures drop, heating costs rise sharply, and for many households already living paycheck to paycheck, the increase is simply unaffordable. Thousands of families in the Winston-Salem area struggle to pay their electric bills, often forced to make impossible choices between keeping the heat on and buying groceries, paying rent, or purchasing medications. No one should have to decide whether to stay warm or stay fed, yet this is the daily reality for many of our neighbors.
How the Community Can Help
The good news is that our community has always stepped forward in times of need — and this winter is no exception. There is an urgent need for both donations and volunteers to make a direct and meaningful difference:
- Winter Coat Distribution: We have hundreds of winter coats in all sizes, donated by our generous community. We are still trying to get these coats to the people in need through our Distribution Events.
- Utility Assistance Contributions: Financial gifts allow us to provide emergency support to families at risk of losing heat and electricity.
- Volunteer Support: Volunteers are needed to sort, organize, and deliver winter coats directly to families who need them most.
A warm coat can mean a child can focus in school instead of shivering in class. A paid utility bill can mean a senior sleeps safely through the night instead of worrying about frozen pipes or dark rooms. These are simple acts with life-changing impact.
As Winston-Salem experiences another season of snow and ice, we are reminded that winter affects everyone — but it does not affect everyone equally. Together, through generosity and service, we can ensure that no neighbor faces the cold alone.
To Volunteer: CLICK HERE
To Donate: CLICK HERE