As a new homeowner, the cost of winterizing and otherwise maintaining a warm house came as something of a surprise to me as the season struck with great force this past December.

We bought a classic "fixer-upper" in Walker's Point and while the price was right at the time, we've since spent the last three months doing all we can to make this big, old house a nice, cozy place to live.

Just last week we received the new windows we'd ordered back in October and while they are wonderfully efficient, we could only afford to replace a third of the home's total. The rest we've caulked and enclosed in plastic sheets. We've completely sealed off the back door and a large bedroom upstairs. Plus, we've added insulation to the previously water-damaged walls we've replaced.

And still, my house is cold. When the outside temperature hovers around the single digits -- sometimes even into the 20s -- it's nearly impossible to retain warmth in a large drafty house.

But, moving to the neighborhood I did has given me a different perspective about what it means to be cold. Just two blocks away from my house is the Hope House, a local emergency and transitional living facility and community center at 209 W. Orchard St. Since the late '80s it has provided a temporary refuge for people needing a place to sleep and when we experience winters like this, places like the Hope House are more important than ever.

I just discovered that the Braeger Automotive Group donated a supply of winter clothing, which is available to those in need on a first-come, first-served basis. They have the following items:

• 25 Hats
• 25 Long Johns
• 17 Sweat Pants
• 16 Coats
• 15 Gloves (pairs)
• 10 Insulated Flannel Shirts
• 2 Coveralls

"Despite our cold business climate Braeger Automotive Group believes we all have an obligation to contribute to the warm-hearted spirit of generosity for which this city is known," says Todd Reardon, president of Braeger. "We at Braeger are fortunate to remain in a position where we can contribute to the well-being of this community, and it is both a pleasure and our responsibility to do so."

The Hope House provides outreach and educational services to help curb homelessness and accepts volunteers and donations.