Hopkinsville Salvation Army opens cooling station

The Salvation Army's main office building will be open to anyone seeking a cool place during the day through Friday.

The Salvation Army of Hopkinsville has opened its main office, 313 E. Seventh St., to serve as a cooling station in response to the extreme heat this week. Anyone wanting a cool place can go to the office between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. through Friday, July 19.

Also in response to the heat, the local agency is extending its emergency shelter to a 24-hour operation through July 19.

The Salvation Army of Hopkinsville on East Seventh Street. (Hoptown Chronicle photo by Jennifer P. Brown)

“The well-being of our community is our top priority,” Lt. David Donegan said in a  press release. “With the current extreme heat, it is crucial that we provide a safe and cool environment for those in need. Our doors are open to anyone seeking relief from the heat, and we encourage the community to support these efforts.”

The Salvation Army’s daily expense for extended hours is $200, the release states. Individuals who are interested in helping cover the expense are asked to make donations online or send contributions to Salvation Army of Hopkinsville, 313 E. Seventh St., Hopkinsville, KY 42240.

Donations of bottled water are also needed, officials said. 

The National Weather Service issue a heat advisory for Hopkinsville through 8 p.m. Tuesday. Starting Wednesday and continuing through the endif the week, temperatures are forecast to be in the 80s.

Hoptown Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news outlet that is dedicated to providing fair, fact-based reporting for people who care about Hopkinsville, Kentucky. We believe that public service journalism serves the community's social, cultural and economic wellbeing by fostering knowledge, connection and meaning.