ALTON – Community members have several upcoming opportunities to support the Overnight Warming Locations.
On Jan. 15, 2026, Old Bakery Beer Company will host their monthly “Drink for a Cause” night, where proceeds from drink sales go to the Overnight Warming Locations (OWLs). People are also encouraged to mark their calendars for March 7, 2026, when the OWLs will host their second annual trivia night.
“It’s just a good way to come and have fun while making a commitment to a good cause,” said Martha Pfister, one of the OWL coordinators. “The people are the greatest resource of the OWL. That kind of collaboration and community is a huge part of what we do.”
The trivia night will start at 7 p.m. at The Great Rivers Hotel in Alton on Saturday, March 7. Community members are encouraged to buy tickets online to secure their spots.
This year’s trivia night is themed around TV shows and movies. There will be a bar available, and attendees can bring their own snacks.
Businesses and companies are also invited to sponsor rounds. There are several levels of sponsorships available, and Pfister added that the OWLs are happy to work with groups to adjust sponsorships as needed and help them find the level that is right for them.
She noted that the support of these organizations means a lot to the OWLs. She believes it demonstrates the community’s commitment to their mission.
“It is so meaningful to have businesses back what we do. It’s not just about the money that they’re investing in our mission, but it’s just the fact that they want to put their name on our mission,” she said. “It really shows that it’s not just a small group of compassionate individuals. It’s really a whole community of businesses and organizations that care enough about what we do that they want their business to be a part of our events. That means almost more than even the funds that they put towards the event.”
As an organization, the OWLs operate emergency overnight shelters in Alton, Edwardsville and Granite City when overnight temperatures are forecasted to drop to 20 degrees or lower. Community members without housing or sufficient heating are invited to come to the OWLs for two hot meals, showers, resources, and a place to sleep.
The OWLs keep people inside when there is “a real risk of injury or death” due to “dangerously cold” temperatures, Pfister added.
During the 2024–2025 season, the OWLs activated 30 times and served 275 individuals. So far this season, the OWLs have activated 12 times and counting.
Pfister emphasized the importance of the community’s support year-round. While events like Drink for a Cause draw a lot of attention in January when it’s cold outside, the March trivia night is equally important for the organization’s work.
“The fundraising has to happen year round so that when the cold does come, we’re ready and those plans and preparations are put in place,” she explained. “One way we are increasing our year-round fundraising is through our monthly giving program, Sustaining Neighbors, encouraging supporters to give a monthly amount of their choosing. These funds allow the OWL to provide supplies, meals, bedding and cover utility costs on cold nights.”
The OWLs are also always looking for volunteers. For more information about the OWLs, including how to donate or how to volunteer, visit their official Facebook page. The Facebook page is also where the OWLs announce when they are open, so community members are encouraged to monitor this page if they would like to utilize the OWLs’ services.
For more information about the trivia night benefiting the OWLs on March 7, visit the official Facebook event page. You can purchase tickets here or email Pfister directly at owl@greateraltoncdc.org with any questions about the event, including sponsorships and more.
