Harford County government, Harford County Public Library, and the nonprofit We Cancerve Movement, Inc. partnered this October on “SOCKtober,” a countywide donation drive seeking new socks, hats, gloves, and mittens of all sizes for local citizens in need.
Thanks to the generosity of Harford County donors, more than 3,500 of these items for men, women, and children were collected during the month. Donations included more than 600 items for boys and 900 items for girls; and more than 800 items for women and 900 items for men.
Many organizations joined this countywide effort including the Early Learning Center at Harford Community College, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Harford County’s Bel Air and Havre de Grace units, Girl Scout Troop 3031 (Cadette Level Troop), Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Restoration World Ministries, Fountain Green Elementary School, Norrisville Elementary School, Jones Junction, Navy Federal Credit Union, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Iota Nu Chapter, St. James AME Church in Havre de Grace, The Rage Box Dance Center, Inc., and the realtors and staff at Keller Williams Realty in Bel Air.
Warm socks, hats, mittens, and gloves are among the most needed and requested items at homeless shelters yet they often are among the least donated. SOCKtober was timed to help raise awareness about homelessness in Harford County before the winter months, and to provide items that are in high demand among the most vulnerable populations.
Items donated during SOCKtober will be distributed to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or on the brink of homelessness, and to local veterans’ organizations.
“The generosity of Harford County citizens, community groups and businesses is heartwarming, especially as we head into the holidays and the cold winter months,” said County Executive Barry Glassman. “I am grateful to everyone who helped make this donation drive a success, and proud of the way we care for one another in Harford County.”
