ST. LOUIS – As the first major storm of the year approaches, Covenant House in St. Louis is doing what it does best: opening its doors to those in need.

Volunteers at the youth shelter prepare for a surge in demand of winter gear for months leading up to stocking up items they know will make a difference, even partnering with popular clothing brand Uniqlo for this winter.

“From jackets to tights to undergarments to help keep our youth warm when they’re going out there and it’s not just the youth that have nowhere to go; it’s also our youth that live here in our residential program,” Charles Watkins, community engagement coordinator for Covenant House, said. “This gives them a sense of motivation knowing that there are people there that really do care.”

Youths just like Isaih Taylor, who came to Covenant House in search of a supportive community,.

“At first, I didn’t want more,” he said. “But now it’s kind of like seeing what I can actually have kind of made me feel like, 'Oh wow, there is a life that I can begin.”

The organization’s beds are full, even with the significant rise in calls and waitlist numbers. To address this, Covenant House works to strengthen connections and expand resources with other St. Louis organizations, such as the city’s warming locations.

“The heart, the actual passion they bring into it, just them actually talking to me like I matter,” Taylor said. “That brings it all together; it makes me want to wake up every day and not only make myself proud but make others proud.”

And St. Louis youths aren’t just staying warm; they feel good about what they’re wearing.

Watkins adds, “We want to make sure when they go out there that they’re safe and secure and stylish!” Watkins said. “Ages 16-24, they’ve got all that personality, and we want the clothes to go ahead and match that.”

To donate, you can visit CovenantHouseMO.org.