FARMINGTON – The Warming Center program at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church will open its doors next week, providing an opportunity for people of all ages to play games, eat a hot lunch and enjoy some companionship.
The Warming Center will open on Tuesday, Jan. 7, from 10 to 2 p.m. at Henderson Memorial located at 110 Academy Street in Farmington. Later that week it will move to Thursday, Jan. 9 from 10 – 2 p.m. at the Old South Congregational Church, located at 227 Main Street.
“It’s hard to believe, but this will be the Warming Center’s seventh season,” said Rev. Susan Crane. “Every year people ask us to be sure and have the Warming Center again, because it warms both body and soul.”
The Warming Center will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 until 2 p.m. throughout the winter .Three different churches host the Warming Center each winter – Henderson Memorial and St. Joseph’s share the Tuesdays, and Old South Congregational will host the Warming Center on Thursdays in January and February, but not March. If the Mt. Blue Regional School District cancels school on a Tuesday or Thursday the Warming Center will not be held either, due to the difficulty in moving participants, volunteers and supplies around in bad weather.
Each Warming Center day will feature several varieties of hot soup, bread, fruit and dessert, available at noon, with hot beverages and snacks offered throughout the day. Puzzles, crafts, games and cards are available at the Warming Center for guests to enjoy. Crane stressed that the events are provided to anyone and everyone, people of all ages.
Both the Warming Center and lunch are free, any donations received will be given to the Franklin County Ecumenical Heating Fund. Seniors Plus meals will not be served this year, so reservations are not necessary.
Volunteers are always needed to make soup or snacks, visit with guests, lead a craft activity or help with cleanup. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Susan Crane at 778-2163 or visit the website at www.faemchurches.org to offer to help.
