Thin blankets, thick blankets, old blankets, new blankets: Our House wants them all.
"Except for ones the dog has had a field day with," executive director Misty Dothage clarified.
It's hard to miss the shift toward colder weather, but many overlook the plight of Callaway County's homeless. The cold nights force many to seek a warm place to sleep.
"Our beds have been running at 94 percent capacity," Dothage said. "(The family shelter) has a wait-list that is crazy."
As she pointed out, the Fulton shelter also serves people from Audrain County and Montgomery County, along with overflow from Cole and Boone counties. Unfortunately, Our House's two shelters don't have room for everyone. Sometimes, Dothage even has to turn away families.
"Our goal is if we have to turn someone away, we can give them a warmth bag," she said. "We want to at least leave them better off than they were."
The warmth bags include a blanket, "Hot Hands" hand-warmers and a protein bar or similar high-energy snack. Our House is currently accepting donations of all three types of items.
While blankets of all types - including sleeping bags - are welcome, certain types are better for outdoor use than others. They should be at least twin bed-sized, thick and with a tight weave to keep the wind out. Blankets that don't meet those criteria may be used around the shelter, so don't hesitate to donate them, Dothage said.
Arrange a donation time by contacting Our House through its Facebook page, by calling 573-642-6065 or emailing [email protected]. Or, drop it off after 6 p.m. at the Wiley House at 829 Jefferson St.
Blankets aren't the only things the shelter needs. On Nov. 16, Our House and United Way of Callaway County are hosting a homelessness awareness and supply drive event at the Fulton Walmart. Shoppers may drop off donations from 3-7 p.m. A list of necessary items will be available outside Walmart. Or, find the list online at bit.ly/OurHouseList.
Also approaching: Our House's annual auction.
"This is our single biggest fundraiser," Dothage said.
This year, it's set for Dec. 11 at 54 Country in Fulton. Tickets cost $15 and will go on sale midway through November at Beks, Central Bank, Callaway Chamber of Commerce and Our House. Proceeds from the auction sustain Our House throughout the year.
"During the winter, we have a huge need but peoples' wallets are tight," Dothage pointed out.