25 may sleep at Osage tonight

When Carla Barker, of McClure, Ill., had been without power for over 12 hours, she said she grew tired of sitting in her cold house.

She took shelter at the warming shelter provided at the Osage Community Center in Cape Girardeau.

Tonight, Barker was working as a volunteer, helping to organize supplies and people as the center prepares to shelter up to 40 people without power.

Cheryl Klueppel,executive director of the Southeast Missouri chapter of the American Red Cross, said they have plenty of blankets and cots at their shelters set up at the Osage and Immaculate Conception Church in Jackson, but what they need now is food.

The Red Cross is making requests to local businesses and restaurants for donations, and will accept monetary donation from anyone willing to help out, Klueppel said.

Those wishing to donate can call 335-0071.

The Red Cross is anticipating about 25 people will take up shelter, but they are prepared for more, just in case.

The Cape Girardeau and Jackson police departments will be providing security checks throughout the night, Klueppel said.

In the case the Osage center should also lose power, alternate arrangements will be made with another facility so people still have a place to stay, she said.

By 9 p.m., there were 23 people planning on staying the night, Klueppel said.