BELFAST — Christmas was memorable for 36 local residents who spent the day in a Red Cross shelter at Troy Howard Middle School. With temperatures in the teens, families without power, and without a wood stove or generator, needed a spot just to escape the cold. The Waldo County shelter was one of six open in different cities as of 9 a.m. Thursday morning. Other open shelters around the state included one in Androscoggin County, and others in Calais, Lewiston and Auburn.

Glenn Kaminsky, manager for the Waldo County Red Cross shelter, was there Thursday afternoon to greet newcomers.

“I haven’t slept in [nearly] three days,” he said.

Kaminsky, who has been with the Red Cross for 23 years, was called into action Christmas Eve and he and his wife made the journey from their Connecticut home that night. This isn’t Kaminsky’s first Christmas spent helping others with the Red Cross.

“Last year I was in Newtown,” he said.

Despite being on call, and often dispatched to serve those affected by tragedy, or simply a bad winter storm, Kaminsky said he loves his job.

“it’s very humbling to be with the Red Cross,” he said.

The number of citizens staying at the makeshift shelter in the school’s gymnasium was much higher than the seven who spent Monday at the shelters.

“I think Mainers are tough and are going to try to stick it out,” said one volunteer, “but it’s supposed to be well under zero tomorrow with the wind-chill.”

“[The number of seeking shelter] may even go up today,” said Kaminsky, “many people have exhausted their firewood.”

For their part, the staff try to make the best of the situation, playing a Christmas movie on Christmas Eve, according to one woman staying at the shelter. They also offered roasted chicken, ice cream and cake.

Those staying at the shelter appreciated the effort.

Eileen Lonsdale, 68, of Swanville, arrived at the shelter Christmas Eve with the assistance of a friend. The driver of a wheelchair accessible van had nothing but praise for the volunteers and Red Cross members manning the school.

Lonsdale, who uses an electric wheelchair, called police the night she lost power to find out when it would come back. When they weren’t sure they asked her if she’d like to go to a shelter. Lonsdale and her three poodles were escorted to the school soon after that. Though destined for different areas, she and her beloved pets had warmth, food, electricity and a safe place to stay.

Lonsdale reported nothing but kindness from the moment she arrived.

“They even tried to get me lactose free milk and when they couldn’t another person staying there went to their house and got me decaffeinated tea,” she said, with a smile.

Despite being kept in the school’s art room, the animals being cared for are kept company by volunteers 24 hours a day and they all get visits from their owners. Lonsdale can attest to the care taken with the animals. At one point, there were eight dogs and three cats there.

“My [three poodles] aren’t used to being alone, “she said. “They’re my babies, [and the volunteers] talk to them and take care of them, even my blind dog.”

Tammy L. Bodge-Terry and her husband David J. Terry, of Burnham, were there volunteering with the animals Thursday afternoon. The Terrys are members of the Waldo County Animal Rescue Team, which has locations in multiple counties. They said volunteers work in shifts, and they’re always looking for others willing to join the cause.

“After Katrina it became a [federal] mandate that in order to receive federal funding you have to have a place for pets,” she said, referring to the Pet Evacuation Transportation Standards Act of 2006, which came as a result of the many pets that died during Katrina because they were not allowed on public transportation or in many shelters.

The shelters, including Troy Howard Middle School, will be available as long they’re needed, said Kaminsky. People who come to the shelter will get not simply a warm place to sleep. They also get Red Cross emergency bags containing basic toiletries and a washcloth, food, mental health staff, and a nurse on duty.

While it may not have been the Christmas many people imagined, the group made the best of the situation, and Eileen Lonsdale focused on the silver lining to her Christmas away from home.

“If someone asked me if I had a merry Christmas, I’d tell them I did because I met so many nice people in the holiday spirit,” she said. “If not for this I would have spent Christmas alone.”

Those who wish to donate to the Maine branch of the Red Cross can do so via their website, or by phone at 1-800-RedCross. Also, anyone wanting to donate, or to join the Waldo County Pet Shelter Team, should contact the Waldo County Emergency Management Agency.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com