Video: Salvation Army, Schools Prepare for Freeze

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — The cold temperatures brought this PE class indoors for these Verona Elementary fourth graders.

It’s just one precaution to keep students and teachers out of the cold for as long as possible. Maintenance crews are also hard at work, making sure pipes are insulated and the school is ready for the freeze. Also, Principal Temeka Shannon sent letters home Tuesday, warning of the cold weather and encouraging parents to dress their kids appropriately.

But many of the students come from families who are barely making ends meet.

“We have quite a few students who don’t have proper attire for Old Man Winter,” said Principal Temeka Shannon.

So, members of a local church are sponsoring a coat drive for needy students at the school. Principal Shannon knows which students will receive the first 25 coats.

“We’re grateful because we have resources and networking where people do bring us things, if we call and ask. It’s great to know there’s still some good people here,” she said.

A few miles north at the Tupelo Salvation Army, those needing a warm lunch were arriving early.

“It’s too cold out there, to be trying to find a place to stay,” said Chester Cook of Tupelo.

Chester Cook is thankful there is warm food and a shelter from the cold at the Salvation Army. The men’s and women’s lodges are usually at capacity anyway. But when the freezing weather hits, the Carnation Street Gym can house the homeless.

“I know a lot of people who would much rather, stay out, instead of coming into a facility, but that’s not something you want to risk, your health or your very life, because it wouldn’t be uncommon for people to die of exposure in these kind of temperatures,” Maj. Jeff Daniel said.

And Major Daniel says that extra staff will be on duty at the Salvation Army to help with the overflow crowds.

They will use the gym tonight and maybe tomorrow evening, or as long as the temperatures are below freezing.