CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – Some of us take for granted basic necessities like food, shelter and medical care that others may not have easy access to – especially in times of bad weather. We spoke with volunteers who donate essentials to those struggling to stay warm.

“There are a lot of people here this winter who won’t make it because they have nowhere to stay warm,” said Jennifer Mitchell, a Charleston resident.

On Saturday, the city of Charleston held its annual Winter Care Fair at the Women’s Health Center in West Virginia, just in time for Sunday’s snowstorm.

“The warming centers are only open at certain degrees, and we need something more. I was homeless at one point, recently got a house, but we need someone to help us,” Mitchell said.

All types of winter clothes were donated like gloves, blankets, hats, scarves, boots, etc.

“I saw it with my own eyes. I’ve been homeless for years, and it’s not an easy thing at all. Especially, with the weather and all that too,” said Stephen Littell, a volunteer.

People also had access to food, water, harm reduction supplies, recovery information, wound care, menstrual products and HIV testing. Volunteers like Littell say it’s important to ask for help if you need it.

“When you are here, there are many people who can help you. There is a lot of information that they may not have. There are many advantages to being here. Lots of benefits for this whole program,” Littell said.

And for those who volunteer, many feel hot just to give back.

“I love it. It’s good. It makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I’m doing something, helping the community,” Littell said.

“It makes my soul happy. I can not explain it. If a lot more people cared, this place would be so much better,” Mitchell said.

Our weather team says heavy snowfall is expected to begin tomorrow evening, so if you plan to be outside, stay warm and be safe.