Winter Night Watch Volunteers Are "Doing the Most Good" One Night at a Time
During his 32 years in the Army, Scott Brown was deployed to numerous disaster areas and war zones. Now, as a retiree, he appreciates the opportunity to help out in his own community by regularly volunteering with The Salvation Army’s Winter Night Watch program and Emergency Disaster Services.
When the temperature plummets, Scott and a team of volunteers hit the streets of Omaha with The Salvation Army’s canteen to distribute hot meals, beverages and warm winter jackets, hats and gloves to people in need.
“I just enjoy getting out here and helping folks out,” said Scott from his spot outside the canteen, where he was handing out hot meals to a long line of clients on a cold night in early February.
He remembered one patron whose gratitude made a lasting impression on him. “I made sure she got a coat and I prayed with her, and then she gave me a hug,” Scott recalled. “The appreciation she had was heartwarming.”
Scott knows that while one hot meal or a winter jacket might not turn around a person’s life, it’s a place to start. “You see someone who is really, really hurting, and you are able to do them some good, at least for that night,” he said.
For more information please visit the Winter Night Watch website. Volunteer slots for Winter Night Watch are currently filled, but if you would like to be added to a substitute list, please call 402-898-5894. Substitute volunteers may be contacted on the day they are needed.
Winter Night Watch is currently in need of winter hats, gloves, socks and coats, especially men's sizes XL, 2XL and 3XL. Please call 402-898-5894 to arrange a drop-off time.