Hikers and runners know how important good socks can be. Without good socks, blisters, wounds and raw spots can develop and even cause long-term foot issues.
Socks are also the number one requested item by the homeless according, to many sources. For the past two years, the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy (full disclaimer here – my husband and I are both active members and participants with the Conservancy) has collected socks for the homeless during their Winter Hike. It is an easy endeavor – RCTC asks and folks bring socks. And they do bring them. Afterall, these are hikers and they know what good socks mean.
The first collection was the Winter Hike of 2018 and there were over 150 new and very gently used socks collected. The socks went directly to a homeless ministry that delivers goods to the homeless on the street.
The second collection was held in a few weeks ago and 298 pairs of socks were collected. That is a lot of warm, toasty feet!
And they weren’t just any old socks – they were wonderful, many colorful, many good hiking quality socks that will provide support and lasting comfort for the homeless.
There are simple ways to help with the sock need for our homeless – pick up a couple of pair of socks the next time you are shopping. Have an extra pair of socks? (Please note that many places can only take brand-new socks.) Donate them. You can do a quick Internet search for homeless and find places to donate. If you are in Pittsburgh and don’t know where to donate, reach out to me and I’m happy to donate them to the homeless ministry that I have connections with.
Looking for ideas for a sock drive?
