Ottawa PADS shelter seeks meals, volunteers

The Ottawa Public Action to Deliver Shelter opened at 5 p.m. Aug. 15 for 24 hours a day.

On opening day, nine clients checked in. The shelter is now serving 34 clients as of Tuesday. With the increase in clients, the shelter has needs.

One of those needs is meals. The shelter is serving three meals a day to 34 clients. There are a few opportunities to help out with this need. Residents can sponsor a meal to be brought into the shelter, prepare a home-cooked meal, or utilize the food at the shelter in the pantry, or freezers to cook and bring back to the shelter. Call the shelter with questions, or to sign up to bring in a meal at 815-433-1292.

Secondly, the shelter needs volunteers. With being open 24 hours a day, there are different times to come in and help. If you are interested in more information about volunteering call, or stop by the facility at 1120 Canal St. to attend a volunteer training. Trainings are 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday mornings and 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday afternoons.

Those wishing to help also can shop the shelter’s Amazon Wish List. Current needs can be found there. The link can be found at the Ottawa PADS Facebook page.