Cold snap

With cold snaps getting more severe as the official start of winter nears, Fern Thomas knew her sister-in-law could be in trouble.

Neoma Thomas is nearly bed-ridden, Fern Thomas said Wednesday, so getting out of the house to prepare for Old Man Winter's wrath is pretty much impossible.

Luckily Fern Thomas was able to snag one of Meals on Wheels of Odessa's free electric space heaters for her sister-in-law, but others could be out of luck if Meals on Wheels and Odessa LINKS can't secure more donations.

Meals on Wheels director Margaret Burton said the agency got a grant from the United Way earlier this year that paid for 15 space heaters and 15 microwaves for low-income elderly and the homebound. Wal-Mart matched that donation, but the goods were gone fast.

Burton's given away all of her heaters and most of the microwaves with at least three months of sometimes fierce cold weather left. Odessa LINKS executive director Grace Valencia could use some space heaters to pass out as well.

Valencia said the agency's clients - the homeless or people who are on the verge of it - have been bombarding staff with requests for space heaters, blankets, socks, coats, hats and gloves.

"We're all trying just to work together to get everybody warm this winter," Valencia said.

She said Odessa LINKS has partnered with All American Chevrolet and Odessa College for donation drives, but the need's still there.

"We would like to have some donations of heaters, because this may be a long winter, who knows," Burton said. "This is West Texas."

HOW TO HELP

>> Odessa LINKS needs donations of blankets, gloves, hats, jackets, white socks and thermal underwear for the homeless. The agency is also in need of electric space heaters, and monetary donations are always appreciated. To help out, drop off items at the Odessa LINKS office at 1207 W. University Blvd., Suite G. Mail to Odessa LINKS, 1207 W. University Blvd., Suite G, Odessa, TX 79764.

>> Meals on Wheels of Odessa needs electric space heaters to keep needy families warm this winter. Drop off donations at 1314 E. Fifth St. Mail monetary donations to Meals on Wheels of Odessa, P.O. Box 15, Odessa, TX 79760.