Rescue Mission requests donations to assist with cooling center efforts this week

Online Staff Report

With temperatures projected to remain in the 90s for the next several days, Rockford Rescue Mission is serving as one of the city’s cooling centers for the citizens who are without air conditioning or other means of staying cool.

The mission’s air-conditioned day rooms at 715 W. State St. (men) and 809 Cedar Ave. (women and children) will be open to provide relief from the heat.

The 715 W. State location is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The 809 Cedar cooling center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

Rockford Rescue Mission Executive Director Sherry Pitney said: “We’re open to anyone who does not have a place to escape the heat. As you know, extreme heat can be just as dangerous to those living on the streets or in hot and poorly ventilated places as the cold. Dehydration, heat stroke and severe sunburn are just some of the problems we hope to prevent by accommodating as many people as we can in as many ways as we can.”

The mission is asking for community support by donating items to be used or distributed, including bottled water, juices, fresh fruits, hats, visors, sweat bands and sunglasses, small hand towels and paper towels.

Pitney encourages anyone who can donate these items to bring them to the mission at 715 W. State St., from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, as they’ll be needed on an ongoing basis throughout the summer.

“My hope is that by the community pulling together,” Pitney said. “No one in Rockford will be made to suffer from the heat.”

Additional information about the mission’s programs and services can be found online at www.rockfordrescuemission.org.

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year since 1964, Rockford Rescue Mission provides nutritious meals and safe shelter for thousands of hungry and homeless men, women and children every year, along with recovery programs and outreach services to rescue, recover and restore the lives of those who are struggling in the Rockford community.