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November 8, 2026 – Community volunteers assisting individuals affected by the abrupt closure of Decatur’s Oasis Day Center are asking for help collecting essential supplies as colder weather approaches.
Friends of Oasis has released an updated needs list, focusing on winter necessities, food, personal hygiene products and everyday items.
Requested winter supplies include individual hand and body warmers, new black tube socks, emergency thermal blankets, winter gloves, knit hats and backpacks.
Food needs include granola and energy bars, crackers, beef jerky, individual chicken salad snack packs, oatmeal packets and bottled water. The group is also seeking sponsors for brown-bag meals.
Personal hygiene items such as deodorant, toothpaste, individually packaged toothbrushes, travel-size shampoo, wet wipes, lip balm and hand sanitizer are also needed. Small flashlights with batteries and resealable storage bags are among the other requested items.
Community members, churches, businesses and organizations are encouraged to assemble winter, hygiene or snack kits, or sponsor specific items. McDonald’s gift cards in five- and ten-dollar amounts are also being requested.
Friends of Oasis says it currently has an abundance of clothing and shoes and is at capacity for blankets and sleeping bags, so those items are not being accepted at this time.
Donations of items on the current needs list can be dropped off at the Salvation Army during regular business hours. Donors are asked to call ahead and ask for Lela to schedule a drop-off time. 217-428-4672.
