POST FALLS - St. Vincent de Paul has opened a warming center in Post Falls to help those in need survive the frigid temperatures.

The center is at 202 W. Seventh St. behind the nonprofit's thrift store on Seltice Way. It is in the basement of Kamps Apartment.

"Our mission has always been to help provide warming centers in each community," said Jeff Conroy, St. Vincent de Paul executive director. "Those needing warmth in the outlying areas should not be forced to travel to Coeur d'Alene to be warm."

The center, along with St. Vincent's center at 117 E. Walnut in Coeur d'Alene, is open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. as long as the weather falls below 20 degrees, with or without the wind-chill factor.

The Post Falls center has enough space for 50 people comfortably. It will have sleeping bags, blankets, gloves, stocking caps, coats, a full bathroom, warm food and drinks.

The center in Coeur d'Alene has been full for the past week.

"Because of the need, St. Vincent de Paul is needing donations of warm food at both locations," Conroy said.

Those interested in volunteering or donating should call Joe Hutchinson at 699-7886.

Fresh Start and St. Luke's Episcopal Church also offer a warming center at 1524 E. Sherman Ave. in Coeur d'Alene. It is open at 9 p.m. and remains open overnight. It has a capacity of 64.

"Our current needs are donations of money, food, warm clothing, tents, tarps and sleeping bags, shampoo, laundry soap, towels and other supplies," said Howard Martinson, Fresh Start executive director. "We also need additional volunteers to help keep the center open."

For more information on the center, call Martinson at 661-1524.