TOLEDO, Ohio — The snow and frigid cold temperatures continue to make an impact on northwest Ohio and spending extended lengths of time outdoors can be more than just a little uncomfortable. For some, it can be downright dangerous.
It is a danger that the East Toledo Senior Center wants to make sure vulnerable individuals never have to face. It is why the staff at the center is making sure area seniors are taken care of.
"I consider us essential because a lot of seniors depend on us to get their resources," said Jodi Gross, the executive director of the East Toledo Senior Center.
The senior center provides winter programs for more than 4,500 older adults, and its staff is keeping the doors open no matter how cold it gets, as long as the building located on White Street in east Toledo remains functional.
Gross said there are more than six programs right now for seniors over the age of 60.
These services include nutrition assistance and transportation, and during a frigid blast of winter weather like we have seen this week, the East Toledo Senior Center provides a chore program that covers snow and ice removal along with putting salt down.
The senior center's programs fill up every year and then a waitlist is made available, Gross said.
She said that unfortunately, staff cannot get to everyone, which is why they are urging people out in the community to check on their neighbors.
"I think if you just check on your neighbor if you know that they are a senior. And even if they are not, a family who may be experiencing difficulties with the cold weather," Gross said. "I think just checking on each other and making sure they are well. We do that as well here. If a senior comes to programming several times a week, then we start to see that they are not here, we do well checks and we call to say 'hey are you OK?'"
The senior center is also in need of volunteers. If you would like to become a volunteer or if you know a senior who is in need of winter snow removal you can call 419-691-2254 for assistance.
The East Toledo Senior Center is open Monday through Friday to help meet all the needs of seniors in the area. It is located at 1001 White St. in east Toledo.
But if you cannot get to the senior center and you need to go out into the cold this week, Gross said to be sure to bundle up and inform your friends and family of your plans.
"If you are going to leave the house make sure your family members know and make sure that you are keeping your heat at a reasonable temperature. There is no reason to freeze yourself out," Gross said. "If you need help, you can call us anytime and if you don't have to go out, don't go out, and if you don't have everything you need reach out to us."
She said taking precautions can protect you from frostbite, hypothermia and more, and helping seniors is a job that the East Toledo Senior Center does not take lightly.
MORE FROM WTOL 11: