Bus Driver Backs Event for Homeless

Saturday, Feb. 9, at Cozmic will be a “PowerBlast” of nine bands donating their time for the “Feel the Warmth” fundraiser hosted by the Egan Warming Center, a center started in 2008 to provide homeless people in Lane County shelter on the area’s coldest nights from November through March when temperatures dip below 30 degrees.

Included in the lineup are the Joanne Broh Band, Peter Giri with Lloyd Tolbert, Rob Tobias and Friends, Natty Bone and Carl Faddis and Beach Days. Local merchants and private donors have contributed to a raffle, including over $500 in gift certificates.

“Feel the Warmth” was the brainchild of LTD bus operator Sherry Watson, says LTD Director of Customer Services Andy Vobora. “We were really excited our employees wanted to get involved,” Vobara says. LTD drivers wanted to help because they transport many of the area’s homeless to and from the center. “They got to know the people,” he says, adding that both current and retired LTD bus operators wanted to “get involved and do something.”

The fundraiser will help buy essentials such as socks, underwear, sleeping bags and tents. The center would also like to purchase commercial dryers for washing garments and sleeping bags. Over the last season, more than 12,135 volunteer hours were donated to Egan; volunteers helped provide 2,882 beds and 5,850 meals for 926 individuals. The fundraiser runs from 1 to 6 pm Saturday, Feb. 9, at Cozmic, 199 W. 8th Ave., with a $5 suggested donation at the door.