The Union Gospel Mission's day center is opening on special hours to accommodate those who need shelter from the bitter cold in the Missoula area.

Executive Director Steve Jackson said the mission's day center usually closes at 2:00 p.m. but is open extra hours during the cold weather.

"We still close the day center at 2:00 p.m. but in this weather we're opening up again at 12 midnight, and anybody that is out and about or homeless, they're welcome to our day center at 506 Toole Avenue," Jackson said. "We're keeping that open anytime the temperature is lower than 10 degrees at night. We're getting about 12 folks, but to be honest, we've actually had a few more when the weather was a bit warmer."

The temperature is expected to drop to -15 on Wednesday night.

Jackson said the mission can always use supplies to help feed the hungry and winter clothing for people of all ages.

"We're always serving food, so we can sure use canned food, and if folks had any success during the hunting season and had their meat processed and professionally wrapped, we can sure use that, too,." he said. "We're prepared for the cold weather, but we can always use more warm, wool-blend socks and long underwear. We've got the hats and gloves, but if anybody has snow boots for any size we can find a home for those, too."

Jackson asks anyone who wants to donate to please drop off their items at the Mission's Thrift Boutique at 400 West Front at the corner of Orange and Front, open six days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To donate cash, there is an account at First Security Bank.

More From KMPT-AM