Carla Traister and Rabbi Merrill Shapiro informed Historic City News that the Flagler County Family Assistance Center will open their “cold weather” shelter at First United Methodist Church of Bunnell this Friday and Saturday night — and most likely Sunday night.
The shelter is located at 205 North Pine Street in Bunnell, behind the Bank of America.
“We will have Daytona Beach guests Friday and Saturday at least, totaling around 30 guests altogether,” Traister told reporters. “I will be calling teams for both Friday and Saturday nights, but it is still too early for a definite answer for Sunday night.”
Traister said that it is always more difficult to locate volunteers during the holidays, but she already has a good start on her signup sheet. If you would like to volunteer to help with hospitality, supper, overnight, or the rise-and-shine teams, contact Carla Traister at the shelter, today.
The cold weather shelter has its own Christmas list this year. Some of the listed items include:
| SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR GUESTS | |
| Toothbrushes | Toothpaste – small tube |
| Disposable razors | Antiperspirant/deodorant |
| Small bottles of shaving cream | Small bars of soap |
| Women’s personal hygiene products | Small tissues packages |
| CLOTHING FOR GUESTS | |
| Warm white tube socks | Sturdy shoes, sneakers, work boots |
| Men’s and women’s undergarments | Long sleeved t-shirts |
| Warm sweatshirts and hoodies | Jeans and workpants |
| Gloves, scarves, warm hats | Winter coats |
| SHELTER SUPPLIES | |
| All paper products toilet paper, towels | Laundry and dishwashing detergent |
| All cleaning supplies, ammonia, bleach | Garbage bags, tall kitchen and lawn bags |
| Sponges, “Scruffy” pads, latex gloves | Paper plates, utensils, napkins |
| Hand sanitizer | Lysol disposable wipes |
| MISCELLANEOUS | |
| Writing tablets, small memo pads | Pens, pencils |
| Envelopes and stamps | Non-prescription reading glasses |
| Paperback books, magazines | Wash cloths, bath and hand towels |
| DVD and VHS movies (PG13) | Sleeping bags, backpacks, cots |
| FOOD SUPPLIES | |
| Pasta, white rice, instant potatoes | Instant tea – unsweetened |
| Tomato and spaghetti sauce | Peanut butter, jelly |
| Stewed and diced tomatoes | Margarine or butter |
| Salt, pepper, seasoning | Salad dressing and oil |
| BREAKFAST SUPPLIES | |
| Decaf and regular coffee, tea bags | Powdered cream and sugar |
| Milk, juice, hot chocolate | Bacon, eggs, sausage, grits |
| Pancake mix and syrup | Bread, rolls |
Flagler County Family Assistance Center, Inc is a non-profit coalition of individuals, faith based communities and service organizations of Flagler County dedicated to feeding the hungry, providing shelter to the homeless, and helping them transition to permanent affordable housing.
Rabbi Shapiro said that those sponsoring the Family Assistance Center believe all individuals deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. The Center provides a doorway through which their clients can find the support they need to move forward in rebuilding their lives.
Rev Beth Gardner, Pastor at First United Methodist Church, said she is most proud of the organization’s work to prevent “at-risk” individuals from becoming homeless.
