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BELLAIRE -- Homeless shelters in the Ohio Valley helped ensure dozens of people in need had a warm place to sleep and an enjoyable Christmas day this year.
The Bellaire Salvation Army provided a hot holiday meal to nearly 30 people in need on Christmas day, along with presents for adults and children to open Christmas morning.
Major Louis Patrick said the shelter had 29 residents call the shelter home for Christmas this year.
At around 10 a.m. Friday morning, guests at the shelter began their holiday by unwrapping gifts.
The gifts were provided to residents through donations collected by the Salvation Army.
"Every resident recieved at least two gifts this morning. Each adult resident was given two gifts and every child got multiple gifts to open," he said.
In the afternoon, residents were served a hot Christmas meal including ham, baked beans and other side dishes.
Patrick said the shelter does its best to make the day feel cozy for residents.
"We try to make sure everyone has a relaxing day just like people would at home on Christmas," he said. "Everyone relaxes and watches TV and enjoys time with their family."
Earlier this week, the Salvation Army provided hundreds of residents in need with more than 2,000 gallons of milk and boxes filled with food items for Christmas.
"We serviced over 600 families and 1,600 children this year for Christmas," Patrick said.
The Salvation Army serves men, women and children of the Ohio Valley. It is a non-profit organization that is funded by public donations. Anyone interested in donating to the cause, may send checks to the Bellaire Salvation Army at 315 37th St., P.O. Box 489, Bellaire.
In Wheeling, the Youth Services Systems' Winter Freeze Shelter provided a warm place for dozens of people in need. Betsy Bethel-McFarland, communications manager for YSS, said they had a full house at the shelter both Thursday and Friday night.
The shelter recently opened its doors to the public for its 12th year of operation. This year the shelter is located at the Hillcrest Behavioral Services building at the former Ohio Valley Medical Center which hosts around 20 beds.
Although the shelter is only open at night, two of the shelter's employees invited guests to spend the day at the House of Hagar where they were treated to gifts and a large Christmas dinner Friday.
Kate Marshall, employee of YSS Winter Freeze and director of House of Hagar, said everyone had a very nice time.
"Along with a church service, folks gathered to sing and pray and have a simple meal of shepherds pie and angel food cake. ... And then we had a Christmas feast with our friends today," she said in a text message Friday evening.
"As all the day warming shelters and soup kitchens are closed on Christmas, it was imperative to get folks indoors in this freezing weather. It made us really contemplate what it means to find no room in the inn, but we were grateful for all those who came together to help us keep our houseless friends warm."
Marshall said everyone received gifts donated by local churches, YSS and the House of Hagar Catholic Worker.