With temperatures hovering in the 20s or about freezing, volunteers at the Salvation Army Church have had their hands full running its warming center.

“It’s going well,” Outreach Coordinator Avery McCall said. “We have anywhere between 15 to 20 people here at any given time.”

While the center was operating seven days a week, McCall said they had to change their hours “a little bit” because it wasn’t sustainable until their new volunteers could get their clearances.

“Anything under freezing, we’ll most likely be open,” McCall said. “The benefactors of it are very respectful.”

Those at the shelter are given lunch, and the volunteers try to provide dinner when possible. McCall said soup is available all day as well.

“We definitely are grateful for all the donations we get to sustain the center from different people and businesses,” McCall said.

One of those was veteran Timothy Smith, who donated a washer and dryer to the warming center the same day the Mirror’s previous article on the warming center was published. In that article, McCall said one of the biggest needs was the ability to wash not only towels and linens, but individuals’ clothing while they shower.

The Salvation Army posted about the donation on its Facebook page, thanking Smith and saying “once we have this hooked up, we will be able to further assist our community.”

The restaurant CO”BRH”s ll also helped by providing “dinner for those coming in from the cold,” according to the post.

“Our hearts are so full from all the generous people that have come alongside us as we operate the warming shelter,” the post read. “From in kind donations of food and products to monetary donations, all are appreciated and put into great use.”

With the wish of a washer and dryer granted, McCall said the center could always use more food and volunteers.

As for braving the cold nights, the center transports those in need to the overnight warming center at the Overflow Church, McCall said.

“They’ll only be out in the cold for about two hours a day if they utilize all of their resources,” McCall said.

Mirror Staff Writer Rachel Foor is at 814-946-7458.

If you go

Where: Altoona Salvation Army Church, 1813 Sixth Ave., Altoona

What: Food, beverages, showers, recreation and transportation to the overnight warming center will be provided.

When: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; Saturday and Monday, weather dependent.