Pinellas shelters short of blankets and volunteers

The recent interval of cold weather has stretched resources at Pinellas County cold weather shelters, says Cliff Smith, manager of veterans, social and homeless services for the city of St. Petersburg. The shelters are short of blankets, volunteers and donations to buy food and supplies.

Smith said twin-size blankets are preferred, but other sizes up to queen can also be used. Blankets should be taken to the following cold night shelters, which are most in need: Boys and Girls Club, 7790 61st St., Pinellas Park; First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs, 501 E Tarpon Ave.; and in St. Petersburg, The Turning Point, 1810 Fifth Ave. N, and My Place in Recovery 1655 16th St. S.

Donations can be made directly to the shelters, or to the Pinellas County Homeless Leadership Board, 647 First Ave. N, Second Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Indicate on the check that funds should go to the Cold Night Shelter Program.

Volunteers at the shelters typically work in shifts of three to four hours doing such things as serving meals, registering guests and being shelter monitors. To volunteer, call Smith at (727) 893-7627 or (727) 698-1809.