It’s not even officially summer yet, but triple digits have already begun to make their way through the South Plains. While trying to keep cool may be easy for some, it’s a little more difficult for those who live out on the streets.
The Salvation Army’s “Beat the Heat” campaign will transform their lobby into a “cooling station,” inviting those in need, homeless or not, to come in and pick up what they need to stay cool.
The cooling station will open anytime the temperature hits about 98 degrees, and will have supplies like water bottles, coolers, hats, bug spray and sunscreen.
It’s all apart of the Salvation Army’s mission to ensure that Lubbock’s more vulnerable populations are able to combat dehydration, sunburn and heat exhaustion.
“That’s why this campaign means so much to us, to give them, you know, we want them to come through our doors,” said Erica Hitt, Director of Social Service for the Salvation Army. “You don’t have to be homeless, it’s anyone in need. We’re going to offer them in our lobby area, in our dining hall, to come in get a cold drink of water, just to sit in the cool environment.”
Hitt shared that they are especially low on sunscreen, and are looking to the community to help out with donations.
To donate to the campaign, bring by your unopened bottles of water, sunscreen, mosquito repellant and any other supplies by the Salvation Army between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Salvation Army is located at 1614 Avenue J.