Community members will gather downtown Feb. 28 for the Coldest Night of the Year, a national fundraising walk that supports local shelters and services for people experiencing homelessness. The event will benefit The Winter Sanctuary, Knox County’s only emergency homeless shelter within 25 minutes of Mount Vernon.
The walk begins at the United Methodist Church, 18 N. Gay St., with check‑in at 4 p.m. Opening remarks will follow at 4:45 p.m., and walkers will set off at 5 p.m. Routes will be clearly marked with Coldest Night of the Year signage, and rest stops will provide snacks and support. A light meal will be served at 6 p.m., with closing remarks scheduled for 7 p.m.
Every dollar raised will go directly toward shelter, meals, and advocacy programs at The Winter Sanctuary. The shelter provides seasonal emergency housing and connects guests with resources to help them move toward stability and self‑sufficiency.
Fundraising walkers who raise $150 or more, or $75 for those under 18, will receive a Coldest Night of the Year beanie as a thank‑you gift, while supplies last. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and pets are not permitted except for approved service animals.
Participants who cannot attend in person are encouraged to register, fundraise, and walk off-site with friends and family. Donations can be made online through the Coldest Night of the Year website, and teams such as Friends of WS and Knox County Transit are already raising funds to support the shelter.
Lead sponsor Kokosing and supporting sponsor Revive Behavioral Health are backing the event. Knox County Transit members will also walk to raise money for The Winter Sanctuary.
The Coldest Night of the Year is held annually in communities across the United States and Canada. Organizers describe it as a family‑friendly walk that raises awareness of the challenges faced by people living without stable housing during the winter months.
“It’s cold out there,” The Winter Sanctuary said in a statement. “But together, we can create warmth.”
More than 80 walkers and 20 teams have registered so far for the 2026 Coldest Night of the Year event in Mount Vernon, according to the Coldest Night of the Year website.
Last year’s walk also drew strong participation, with many community members joining the 2025 fundraiser to support The Winter Sanctuary.
For more information, to register, or to donate, visit cnoy.com/location/mountvernon. Interested participants can also contact Ann Marie Wiley, event director,
at [email protected] or call 740392.9277.
