This time of year there are a lot of people in our community who can use some help. In a lot of ways, our community steps up and offers some help to those who need it. Sometimes it's a big help and sometimes it is just something small, but meaningful.

For those who are looking for some winter gloves, a hat, or a scarf, there is a "Warming Tree" located at the First Presbyterian Church at 235 South 5th Street West, that offers them for free for whoever needs them.

Warming Tree
Credit: Chris Wolfe
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Warming Tree
Credit: Chris Wolfe
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Last week, downtown outside of Break Espresso, there were bagels placed out on the ledge of the front windows for whoever wanted them. Sometimes it's the little things that can help.

Break Espresso Bagels
Credit: Chris Wolfe
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Another program designed to help people who need it is Missoula's Community Free Fridge. There are refrigerators and pantries located in town and they offer free 24/7 food for those who need it. There are food safety rules for the refrigerators, but the gist is: "Take what you need, leave what you can". If you would like to help out and donate you can view the guidelines for donations here.

Unfortunately, one of the community fridges has been temporarily shut down for safety reasons. According to a recent post on the group's Facebook page, the fridge located at 2045 Kensington Avenue has been temporarily closed. There has been a recent case of needles being left on shelves and someone urinated in the structure that houses the fridge.

If you are in need of food or would like to donate to some of the other refrigerators, you can find one at 735 Howell Street. There are pantries available at 516 North 2nd Street West and 732 South 1st Street West. There is also a free store located at 722 Bulwer Street.

The Community Free Fridge group has suggested ways to prevent this from happening in the future. For example: "sharps containers" for disposal of needles and more access to "24/7 public restrooms".

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