500 blankets for the homeless

 A non-profit that helps people in desperate need here in Michiana needs your help.

The group Chicago and Michiana Five for the Homeless needs things to help keep people warm.

John Shafer, founder of  Five for the Homeless,  along with his volunteers have helped thousands of people who are homeless here locally and folks in need in Chicago.

Five for the Homeless is working to collect food and 500 blankets by December 15th.

It's a part of a friendly competition with seven other non-profits in Indiana.

Shafer's organization needs blankets.

They started the competition in September and two months into the challenge they have about 250.

So, with just about a month left, the organization is really hoping to ramp up the donations.

Shafer says that for Chicago and Michiana Five for the Homeless winning the challenge would be nice but it's not the priority.

Collecting blankets is how the organization started and Shafer understands just how much one single blanket can help.

Shafer says, “We know that one blanket can actually help save a life and prevent frostbite to any homeless person who is man or woman and even children in the street in the winter to stay warm so every blanket helps, every blanket potentially can save a life.”

Donations can be dropped off at the Shepherds Cove Clothing Pantry located at 347 Lusher avenue in Elkhart. The back entrance is open for people to drop off bags and Shafer just says to make sure to mark the bags with a note stating “For the Homeless.”
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