By Kevin Carbery of the Jefferson County Suburban Journal .

After the wicked winter storm of Nov. 30, thousands of area residents were without electrical power for days.

But, help was at hand in northeast Jefferson County from the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter, which set up a shelter for those in need at the Arnold Recreation Center, 1695 Missouri State Road.

"We didn't have a need for it until Saturday," said Jessica Willingham, executive officer for the Red Cross chapter. "We were working with Jefferson County and Arnold officials in emergency management."

Those without power could come to the recreation center to warm up and enjoy meals provided by the Red Cross.

"We sheltered about 40 people on Saturday night," Willingham said. "By Sunday night, we were down to one family. Today (Monday), we closed the shelter at noon.

"We gave the people who came to the shelter 250 meals and snacks during their stay."

Overall, the chapter sheltered 823 people and served 5,241 meals and snacks during three nights at five shelters in the metropolitan area.

The shelter at the Arnold Recreation Center was the first to close. Shelters at the other sites remained open where many were sill without electrical service many days after the storm.

"If somebody doesn't have power, they can go to any of our shelters," Willingham said.

Willingham said if trees and branches continued to fall and knock down power lines causing more problems, the shelter at the Arnold Recreation Center would be reopened.

"We keep an eye on everything," she said. "If it's needed, we'll bring it back."

Those looking for assistance from the St. Louis Area Chapter of the American Red Cross or who want more information can call the agency at 314.516.2800 or visit their Web site at www.redcrossstl.org.