As Temps Drop, Community Provides Warmth

With temperatures expected to fall into the 30's tonight and many area residents still without electricity and heat, the need for a warm place to spend an hour or five has become a priority.

With power restoration for many in the Greater Red Bank area not expected until Wednesday, or perhaps longer, those seeking refuge from the cold have a number of options tomorrow, Sunday, as well as the days moving forward.

Shrewsbury Boro School is opening its doors at 7 a.m. Sunday morning and is operating a 'Warming Center' until 7 p.m. Residents are invited to stop on by, heat up and plug in throughout the day.

In Red Bank, the Community YMCA got power back Saturday and has immediately established a plan to help its neighbors. From 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, the Y is opening its doors to the broader community and offering residents a place to shower, enjoy free wi-fi access and a place to recharge their cell phones.

Those using the shower facilities are asked to bring a towel and toiletries.

In addition to inviting residents in, the Y is also hosting a Hurricane Sandy relief drive Sunday and will be collecting items from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of the Y's Family Health and Wellness Center at 166 Maple Ave. in Red Bank.

The Y is seeking non-perishable food items, toiletries, and clothing in both children's and adult sizes. The items collected will be handed out directly to community members in need on Monday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until supplies last.

Of course, Sounds to Go on East Front Street continues its Sandy drive. Business owners have teamed up with Move for Hunger to collect relief items and have been delivering them regularly to those in need in nearby shore towns.

On other warm-related news, the Two River Theater and Red Bank Public Library are open and accepting members of the public to hang out and charge up during the day.

Most downtown Red Bank businesses now have power thanks, officials say, to their connection to Riverview Medical Center's power grid, and they've stepped up, nearly all of them offering a place to hang out or charge your mobile device. growing every day, but those businesses that have offered their outlets include: Posh Pops Bakery, Glambar, YesterCades, Starbucks, Prown's, the Galleria's Frame to Please, Danish Cafe, and Taste, among others.

Businesses like Fragile Earth stuffed animals and the Kathryn Barnett School of Dance are offering activities for children each day, too.