Frigid Cold Grips Philadelphia, Residents Rally to Help Those in Need

Community members in Elkins Park mobilize to collect donations for Kensington organizations as the city sees a quiet, chilly day.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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As dangerously low temperatures settled over Philadelphia on Saturday, one Elkins Park resident, Liz Lowry, put out a call for donations on social media to help community outreach organizations in the Kensington neighborhood that were urgently seeking blankets and warm clothing. Within just 3 hours, Lowry had collected a large amount of donations which she delivered to the Sunshine House in Kensington, where people were waiting for the supplies. Lowry is now partnering with the organization Recovery Done Simple to continue the donation drive, as the demand on the streets is overwhelming according to the group's executive director, David Carr.

Why it matters

This story highlights the community's response to help those struggling to stay warm during the frigid weather, as well as the ongoing need for support and resources for vulnerable populations in Philadelphia neighborhoods like Kensington that face challenges with homelessness and access to basic necessities.

The details

Despite the bitter cold, a few hardy residents still ventured out, including a runner on Kelly Drive along the Schuylkill River and a group of tourists from Ghana who were experiencing this type of extreme cold for the first time. A group of New York University students also braved the weather to visit Paddy's Pub from 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' and run up the Rocky steps. The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management reminded residents that warming centers were open throughout the city.

  • On Saturday, dangerously low temperatures settled over Philadelphia.

The players

Liz Lowry

An Elkins Park resident who mobilized her neighbors to collect donations of blankets and warm clothing for community outreach organizations in the Kensington neighborhood.

David Carr

The executive director of Recovery Done Simple, a partner organization working with Lowry to continue the donation drive as the demand on the streets is overwhelming.

Bridgette Tullier

A Fairmount resident who braved the bitter cold to go for a run, wearing five layers of clothing.

Justice Adom

A tourist from Ghana experiencing the extreme cold weather in Philadelphia for the first time.

Sumeed Saleem

A student from New York University who visited Philadelphia and was determined to run up the Rocky steps despite the frigid temperatures.

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What they’re saying

“Within 3 hours we had a mountain of collections which I took over to the Sunshine House in Kensington and they were just thrilled to receive this. There were people waiting for the blankets as soon as I pulled up.”

— Liz Lowry (6abc.com)

“We're out there 4 times a week and we're bringing out bags full of blankets and jackets and within minutes they're gone. So the need is beyond great.”

— David Carr, Executive Director, Recovery Done Simple (6abc.com)

“Well, the simple answer is I just love running. I run every single day, anywhere from 4 to 7 miles sometimes 10. So I didn't want to take a break today. And currently, I am wearing five layers.”

— Bridgette Tullier (6abc.com)

“This is our first time experiencing this type of cold and it hasn't been easy.”

— Justice Adom (6abc.com)

“Of course. Philadelphia has so many nice things to do. We went to Paddy's pub earlier from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. We were just playing the music and we're gonna run up the stairs now as well.”

— Sumeed Saleem (6abc.com)

What’s next

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management reminded residents that warming centers are open throughout the city, and a map of locations is available on their website.

The takeaway

This story highlights the compassion and community spirit of Philadelphia residents, who quickly mobilized to collect donations of blankets and warm clothing to help those struggling to stay warm during the frigid weather. It also underscores the ongoing need for support and resources for vulnerable populations in neighborhoods like Kensington that face challenges with homelessness and access to basic necessities.