Warm socks, mittens, and hats are greatly needed items at homeless shelters, yet they are among the least-often donated. To fill this gap, Harford County government, in partnership with Harford County Public Library and We Cancerve, a foundation that creates giving opportunities for youth to support homeless, sick, and foster children, is sponsoring its annual “SOCKtober” collection drive in October.
Donations of new socks, hats, mittens, and gloves of all sizes will be distributed to local individuals and families experiencing homelessness, or on the brink of homelessness, and to local veteran’s organizations. Collection boxes will be located through October 31 in county government buildings, including parks and recreation facilities and senior centers, and all public libraries.
SOCKtober helps raise awareness about homelessness in Harford County and provides items that are in high demand before the winter months. Even regular donors of clothing such as coats and pants will usually wear out their own socks, hats, and gloves before throwing them away. This means that homeless individuals are constantly at risk of serious foot disease and, during winter months, in severe danger from the cold.
“As we move into the colder months of the year, please keep the less fortunate in mind and consider making a donation of these much needed items,” County Executive bob Cassilly said.
To learn more about SOCKtober, visit www.harfordcountymd.gov/SOCKtober. A sharable SOCKtober flier can be downloaded from the website or the Facebook pages for Harford County Government and Harford County Housing & Community Services.
