Carbondale Reporter

SIH team members participated in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser in Carbondale on February 22. The event supported the Carbondale Warming Center, which provides shelter, meals, and essential services to those in need.

The SIH system team raised $2,500, and SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale’s Mission and Values team contributed another $1,000. Combined with a $5,000 sponsorship from SIH, more than $8,500 was donated to aid the center's mission. This funding will support efforts to assist unhoused community members.

SIH has collaborated with the Carbondale Warming Center for several years, helping connect approximately 1,200 individuals with its resources. At the event's opening ceremony, Woody Thorne, SIH Chief Development Officer, highlighted the ongoing necessity for support: "This is a phenomenal day for us to come together and work to help meet the needs of those here in Carbondale and in our surrounding communities. At SIH, our hospitals are often the first line of defense for those that are unhoused."

Thorne continued by encouraging continued philanthropy: "There’s a need that goes on every day, every week, every month. So consider that as you reflect on your philanthropic support throughout the year."

The Carbondale Warming Center aims to raise $100,000 by March 31 to continue its operations. Donations are still being accepted to provide shelter and meals for those facing hardship.

Founded in 2019, the Carbondale Warming Center has provided over 300,000 meals and housed more than 800 guests. Forty percent of these guests have transitioned into permanent housing. The center's mission is to serve with dignity and empathy during times of crisis.