The Tulsa Day Center says more than 150 people came through the doors to get out of the sleet and frigid temperatures Wednesday. The organization says they ran out of bottled water and they’re asking for bottled water donations.

“We’re always open and we want to continue to serve people who are the most vulnerable here in Tulsa,” said Day Center Exec. Dir. Mack Haltom.

Haltom says there wasn’t this many people in the Day Center when we had our first big winter storm a few weeks ago.

“We’re seeing more this time around for some reason, and these are the higher needs ones we’re seeing come through right now,” said Haltom.

One of those seeking shelter from the cold was Kimberly Newman. She’s stuck waiting on housing so the Day Center was the only place she said she could get to.

“It’s hard. Just going out there to take an air, the cold, it just hits hard,” said Newman.

Right now Newman says she’s living on the city streets. A month ago, she underwent a c-section and had a little boy. Still recovering, she says she wouldn’t have made it in the cold.

“Oh it would have been really hard. I probably would have been at the hospital because of it. It’s hard,” said Newman.

Newman says she’s grateful for a place to keep warm. With another round of ice on the way, and the need for those to have a place, Haltom wants to remind Tulsans they can donate items to help them help other.

“Tulsa community is great to us. They always have been very generous during these events, but we can always use warm clothing donations, blankets, financial donations is always appreciated too,” said Haltom.

The doors at the Day Center are always open. If you want to donate or give you can TXT “DAYCENTER” to 44321.

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