WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Spectrum News 13 meteorologists predicting lows in the 40s on Friday, and Matthew’s Hope in Winter Garden is trying to stock up their clothing pantry.

What You Need To Know

  • Matthew’s Hope in Winter Garden is trying to stock up their clothing pantry ahead of a cold snap this weekend

  • With the coldest air Central Florida seen since February expected to arrive this week, the nonprofit is scrambling to meet their needs

  • They are accepting donations Monday through Saturday at their Winter Garden location

This rack of coats means a lot to Shelley Bradford. She knows the impact each and every one can make in the life of someone who is struggling to put a roof over their head.

“It just makes me feel good to know that at least for this day they’re going to be warm and they’re going to be comfortable,” said Bradford.

As president of Matthew’s Hope, a nonprofit homeless outreach, the forecast has her a little overwhelmed.

“So, the big concern this week is the fact that we are having a cold snap coming through,” said Bradford., going through a rack of about two dozen coats. “And this is all that we have left from last year.”

She explained they don’t normally see donations of warm clothes until closer to Christmas, but with the coldest air Central Florida seen since February expected to arrive this week, she’s scrambling to meet their needs.

“We are struggling a little because we have over 100 guests coming in tomorrow and we don’t have a hundred, you know, jackets, hoodies and things like that,” said Bradford.

Now, they are putting out the call for more donations for things that will help keep those who are on the street warm. They need all kinds of new or gently used items for men and women in all sizes to help fill their sparse inventory.

“What we’re seeing here are our lack of jeans,” said Bradford, pointing at empty shelves. “We’ve actually have been very low on jeans and as the cold weather does come, that’s something that a lot of people will be asking about is genes, something to stay warm, sweatpants, and a lot of times people ask for those as well.”

Matthew’s Hope has struggled with funding over the last year as they deal with a growing need across Central Florida. According to the founder, they are about $500,000 off from where they need to be right now to keep up operations.

“The economy now has hit a lot of people, and so a lot of times, you know, we’ve always been blessed with great donations, and right now it’s, you know, people are unsure,” said Bradford. “They’re uncertain of our future. They’re not really wanting to donate as much.”

Bradford hopes they see more donations of clothes and blankets come through the doors in the next few days, knowing what a difference it can make for our neighbors that need it most.

“We all, you know, need to work together as a community to pull together to help these guests right now, to help our homeless people right now,” said Bradford. “Because is a tough time, for sure.”

Matthew’s Hope is accepting donations Monday through Saturday at their Winter Garden location.

Also, if they can raise $1 million in financial contributions by the end of the year, one of their donors has agreed to match that.