The Warming Tree is providing to the homeless in cold temperatures

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The River Walk at Mitch McConnell Park in Bowling Green is home to The Warming Tree, a warm gift that awaits the less fortunate in our community. Serving those in need is a team effort, especially behind the scenes. People in the community are coming together to provide for those who need it most.

Founder of The Warming Tree, Teresa Douglas, says “I started the Warming Tree seven years ago. This is my seventh year. I originally read about a Warming Tree in New York, but now they are all over the United States.” The Warming holds anything warm, from blankets, coats, hats, gloves and scarves, to basic needs like tents, tarps, sleeping bags, hygiene products, or non-perishable food items.

Donations to the Warming Tree are encouraged. Teresa says, “If you are cleaning out and you don’t need it, they can use it. Like the weather right now, umbrellas, I have rain ponchos up here now. If everything gets wet, I am by The Warming Tree daily, I do take it home and wash it and dry it, and bring it back in dry weather.”

The homeless often encounter extreme weather, but Teresa makes sure what they need from the tree is dry, while others spend time making things to contribute to the tree. Becky Quinn, a contributor to the tree, says “My grandmother taught me how to crochet many, many years ago, and she always crocheted for charities, and that’s what I am going to do. I have a real passion for it, it’s almost an addiction, so I use the addiction to help some of the homeless.”

Becky Quinn is an army veteran and saw the needs of the homeless veterans in our community. Now she spends her free time handmaking scarfs and hats for the tree. “It is an addiction. I do it every single day. It’s so calming, and just knowing that somebody is going to wear it and stay warm is so rewarding.”

Anyone is welcome to contribute a necessity or anything warm, and it doesn’t have to be new. Teresa says, “The homeless do get it, they do appreciate it. This is a note that a man had left me, thanking me. They are really humble and thankful.”

Those who are able, are encouraged to donate to the warming tree, and you can find the tree at River Walk Park in Bowling Green.