Lions Club member's 'Project Warm' helps homeless

Lions Club members Steve and Deb Lubas of Crestview have been making and collecting warm accessories like new and gently used hats, gloves, scarves and socks to benefit homeless people in Crestview. [SPECIAL TO THE NEWS BULLETIN]

Editor’s Note: This continues our Celebrate Community series on nonprofit organizations that improve North Okaloosa County residents’ quality of life.

CRESTVIEW — Deb and Steve Lubas are working to provide cold weather gear for local homeless people.

The Lions Club members dropped off a package of 20 to 30 hats, scarves and gloves a few weeks ago at the Helping Hands homeless ministry in Crestview, and will turn in another shipment this week.

Steve said his wife, who works for the U.S. Air Force, joined the Lions Club two months ago.

"We did a drop-off about two or three weeks ago. And we're actually doing a drop-off again of hats, scarves, sweaters, gloves. We're trying to see what other needs there are so we can meet the homeless shelter needs in Crestview."

Over 20 people received a hat, scarf and blanket from the first donations, and the Lubass turned in more donations in mid-January.

The Lubases have crocheted scarves and hats for the effort; their fellow Lion, Charlotte Jones, crocheted scarves.

Contributors also include Crestview residents Deb Broxson and Doris Sandvass; Margie’s Sew Much Fun of Crestview, which donated sweaters, socks and knitted hats; Mildred Heaton Real Estate of Crestview, which donated slacks and sweaters; Deb Lubas's sisters, Lorry Moody of Washington, who spun yarn and crocheted hats, and Trudy Woodruff of Mississippi, who crocheted hats and scarves; and unknown Crestview donors who provided blankets.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE 

To help, donate new or gently used hats, gloves, scarves, coats, blankets and socks to Project Warm collection boxes in Crestview.

Locations include Hub City Smokehouse & Grill, 168 Main St. S.; Pic-N-Sav, 310 James Lee Blvd. W, Crestview, U.S. Highway 90 W.; and Tractor Supply Co., 320 James Lee Blvd. W.

Companies or organizations who wish to have a Project Warm box placed at their location may contact Deb Lubas, greenhalghdj@cox.net.

Note: This article has been updated to correct Steve and Deb Lubas's last names.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Lions Club member's 'Project Warm' helps homeless