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The Warm Hearts for Warm Feet sock drive has returned for its sixth consecutive year with the goal of collecting and donating 2,500 wool socks to unhoused residents in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The drive is conducted by Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and Vice Mayor Alanna Mallon in partnership with CASPAR/Bay Cove, the Cambridge Police Department, CambridgeSide, and Many Helping Hands 365.
From Wednesday, February 1, 2023, through Tuesday, February 14, 2023, residents looking to participate in the drive can purchase durable, crew length wool socks in stores or online through our Amazon Wishlist and drop them off in designated collection bins across the city. Sock discounts are available at participating local retail stores, including Cambridge Naturals and Hilton’s Tent City.
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.
“The Cambridge community has shown their generosity and commitment every year to helping those who experience homelessness during winter months,” said Mayor Siddiqui. “I am grateful to our community partners and residents who make our annual sock drive possible and larger each year.”
Socks are among the most valuable articles of clothing for our unhoused residents, who use walking as their primary mode of transportation. The exposure to extreme weather during the cold winter months only adds to this incredible need.
"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,” said Vice Mayor Mallon. “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 way the community can help protect our unhoused population and ensure their safety during the frigid winter months."
"One pair of wool socks may seem miniscule, 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:
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Pierre, Communications Manager | epierre@cambridgema.gov
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