TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
Get ready for a cold
night! Temperatures are plunging below the freezing mark tonight. The Salvation Army has
opened up it's emergency shelters for those in need of shelter.
Day 2 of Operation Deep Freeze now in effect
throughout Tucson.
A total of more than a 100
people are staying in local emergency shelters tonight. It is expected to dip below freezing tonight.
The
city's homeless lined up to reserve their mat on this cold winter
night. Homeless veteran Kevin Rich was here last night. "Tonight
is butt nugget cold," he said.
Even a mat and
blanket are a luxury for these homeless.
"I've
spent many a night out in the cold, park bathrooms. It's crazy. People just come
up on you, you can't rest," said Christopher Ruiz, Operation Deep Freeze
client.
This story was meant to cover Operation Deep Freeze but what we
saw was warm hearts and generous donations coming in from Tucson
residents who care.
One woman stopped
by to drop of hats she knitted for the homeless. "It's my
way of giving back. I just sit there and I knit," said Diane Fields.
There were ladies who stopped by the shelter to
pass out homemade snacks and socks for the homeless.
They even knew
many of the homeless by first name. "We do it
because these guys are sweet.. and very appreciative," said Ruth Reneer.
The acts of generosity surprised many of the homeless, who say they don't
see much kindness in the world.
"To me it
means the world, to get food and a warm place to sleep, it means the
world," said Christopher Ruiz.
There are rules
around here.
"We just
want to make sure they're clean and sober when they come in and not under the
influence," said Salvation Army Corp. Officer Major Edward Markham.
Rules that mean a
peaceful night sleep for everyone.
Copyright 2012 Tucson News Now. All rights reserved.
