Cold temperatures drive demand for warm clothing for Sudbury Outreach Support

Sudbury Outreach Support -- known as SOS -- is located in the municipal parking lot behind the Lorne Street Beer Store and across from the Energy Court encampment.

It was formerly located across from the Sudbury arena downtown, but the shipping containers it operates out of were moved by the city in November to increase services being offered at Energy Court.

“I want to welcome people to come,” said Denise Sandul, SOS co-founder.

“I have heard some people are fearful. We have a minimum of 12 volunteers on site at all times. We have not had any safety issues.”

Every Sunday between noon and 2 p.m., SOS distributes basic essentials to people in need as part of its outreach support.

“We are a group of volunteers. We have been doing this for five years now and we provide clothing and food and basic essentials -- toiletries, footwear -- all of that kind of thing for the homeless as well as seniors living downtown and those in need,” said Sandul.

Winter boots, warm coats

She said SOS hands out more than 2,000 items every Sunday, but last week ran out of winter coats and boots due to the severe plunge in temperatures.

“Because of the cold, there is a big demand,” Sandul said.

“People are freezing and we have seen people with frostbite on their feet and in their hands and so we really need mitts and gloves. Mitts are warmer, but some people prefer the gloves.”

Right now, SOS is only accepting basic hygiene and warm winter clothing donations. SOS said the big need is for winter coats, boots, and snow pants.

Donations can be dropped off at the shipping containers in the Energy Court municipal parking lot on Sunday between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.