The 4th Annual Warm Hearts Warm Feet Sock Drive Is Back

The Office of Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui is partnering with the Vice-Mayor Alanna Mallon, Cambridge City Council, CASPAR & Bay Cove, Cambridge Police Department, and CambridgeSide to collect and donate 2,500 wool socks to homeless residents for its 4th Annual “Warm Hearts, Warm Feet Sock Drive.” From February 1, 2021 through February 14, 2021, this year’s sock drive aims to collect the largest amount of donations in this annual sock drive’s history. The Cambridge community has shown us year after year their generosity and commitment to helping those who experience homelessness during winter months.

Due to COVID-19, extra precautions will be in place to increase participation, while keeping community members safe. This year, people can donate wool socks at a Bay Cove CASPAR donation bin located at 300 Tech Square, at Olympia Sports at CambridgeSide, Hilton’s Tent City, Cambridge Police Department or virtually through our Amazon Wishlist. Wool socks are available to purchase and drop off at Olympia Sports at CambridgeSide and Hilton’s Tent City.

 “This year has been very difficult for our residents, especially our neighbors experiencing homelessness. I hope that through the Amazon Wishlist we’ve created, as well as the safe donation sites, we will be able to increase the number of socks we can provide to those in need,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “I am grateful to our community partners and residents who make our annual sock drive possible and bigger each year.”

Mayor Siddiqui and Vice-Mayor Mallon started the sock drive in 2018 after witnessing firsthand the critical need for wool socks during their visit at the CASPAR/Bay Cove Shelter at 240 Albany Street.

"Mayor Siddiqui and I heard loud and clear in 2018 that one of the most needed items at 240 Albany Street and on the First Step van was wool socks. Unhoused residents are typically medically vulnerable and having cold wet feet even in temperatures as high as 40 degrees can lead to frostbite. This drive is one small way the community can help protect our homeless population and ensure their safety during the winter months."

Socks are among the most valuable articles of clothing for our homeless residents, who use walking as their primary mode of transportation. The exposure to extreme weather, especially during the cold winter months, only adds to this incredible need. Socks might seem like a small item, but they are critical basics for our homeless residents.

"One pair of wool socks may seem like a small thing, but it's crucially important to a homeless neighbor living outdoors during the frigid winter months. And that one pair of socks is more than just a source of warmth," stated Julia W. Londergan, Esq., Director of Development at CASPAR. "Each pair of socks that a member of CASPAR's Street Outreach Team hands out can also be a lifeline – that initial connection with our staff that can lead a person into our shelter, where they can gain access to additional services and care, and hopefully get started on the path to safe and permanent housing."

Given the emergent need for wool socks, all socks collected during the drive will be distributed on a rolling basis to our homeless neighbors. Donated wool socks should be at least 70% wool to be the most effective shield against inclement weather.

Be someone’s #SoleMate and donate today

• Donate wool socks online: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1ZFHYYJCSIKXH
• Donate wool socks at a donation bin:
  • 300 Tech Square
  • Olympia Sports at CambridgeSide
  • Hilton’s Tent City
  • Cambridge Police Department (6th Street)
• Donate money to BayCove/CASPAR: https://www.baycovehumanservices.org/warmheartsforcaspar

For more information, please contact Adelina Atamer, Outreach Manager | aatamer@cambridgema.gov