Sleeping bag drive aims to help neighbors through cold weather

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - Jon Six Food Ministries is collecting sleeping bags and donations for people living on the streets as temperatures drop, expanding its usual work fighting hunger to help meet a need for warmth.

Jon William Six said people ask him for sleeping bags every year when the weather turns cold. He said he received four requests in the two weeks before the interview.

“Every year when it starts getting cold, I have folks asking if I have a sleeping bag,” Six said. “Do we have a sleeping bag? And where can we get sleeping bags?”

The nonprofit serves meals out of Latrobe, mostly on weekends, and also helps people living on the streets, Six said. This winter, it plans to share donated sleeping bags with Moon King’s ministry, which provides sleeping bag kits to people living on the streets year-round.

Six said shelter availability and individual circumstances can make it difficult for some people to stay in a shelter. His team, he said, wants to help without judging those it serves.

“We’re accepting them as they are. And we’re doing what we can to make their life better,” he said.

The drive accepts new and used sleeping bags. Six said a waterproof bag he found at a major retailer costs about $52, and the nonprofit plans to match monetary donations for every $25 to help purchase more.

Several community members have offered used bags their children no longer need, he said. Six hopes to continue the drive through December as long as the need remains, and to keep sleeping bags on hand afterward.

“This community is amazing. Just amazing,” he said. “I mean, you put out the need, they want to help. So, we’re blessed beyond words.”

Donors can drop off sleeping bags or mail checks to John Six Hair Company, 1509 Grand Central Ave., Vienna. Six said donations can also be made through PayPal to the email jonwilliamsix@yahoo.com.