I know, I know, you've read enough stories about the looming snowstorm headed for Portland to last you the entire snowy weekend. But—before you partake in your annual apocalypse shopping spree at Fred Meyer (which I still think is a marketing ploy by the the grocery industry), consider running a couple extra errands to help out Portlanders who don't have a warm home to retreat to this weekend.

According to the Joint Office on Homeless Services (JOHS), houseless Portlanders are uniquely unprepared for the approaching cold front.

Since it's been an incredibly mild winter so far, shelters and other service providers say they're particularly low on donated cold weather items. JOHS says these providers are in "urgent" need of any donations by Friday evening.

Here's how you can help:

- Drop off donations in person at Transition Projects in downtown Portland before you head home today (or whenever, they take donations 24/7). Here's what they're looking for: thick socks, waterproof gloves or mittens, waterproof winter coats, sleeping bags, warm blankets, waterproof hats, knit hats, tarps, hand warmers, rain ponchos.

- Purchase something from this Amazon wishlist (like a $8 tarp or $10 pack of warm socks), which will be delivered straight to Portland homeless nonprofit JOIN.

- Check out this list of other places needing specific donations—like Portland Rescue Mission, Gresham Women’s Shelter, Janus Youth, Dignity Village, and Lents Family Shelter.

- Check on your homeless neighbors! Let them know the county's opening up extra shelter beds tonight and over the weekend. No ID is needed to stay the night at these warming shelters, and no one will be turned away. If you talk to someone who might not feel comfortable staying in a shelter, ask if they need anything to help them stay warm (hand warmers, blankets, etc. etc.) and let them know you're looking out for them.