As temperatures in the city of Tucson remain on the higher end and cold weather months approach, The Salvation Army is looking to help unhoused people protect their feet. For Maj. Andres Espinoza, the impact of a pair of socks is frequently and easily underestimated.
“Something as simple as a new pair of socks can provide comfort, warmth and dignity to someone going through a difficult season,” Espinoza said in a statement. “Last year, our community showed just how much can happen when we all do a little.
“We’re hoping Tucson will help us go even further this year.”
The Salvation Army Tucson’s fourth annual Socktober Drive kicked off on Sept. 14 and will continue through Oct. 31. The nonprofit organization is looking for donations of new men’s, women’s and children’s socks — along with protective dog booties. While the women’s and children’s socks can be any style or color, black or white athletic crew or sport length socks are best suited for men. According to Community Engagement Manager Kelli Beasley, the most requested sizes are adult medium and large. She said that this year, The Salvation Army Tucson hopes to distribute 5,000 pairs of socks.
Members of the community who are interested in supporting the Socktober Drive can drop the socks off at the Hospitality House or the Amphi Corps. Multiple businesses and organizations in the community have organized collection boxes to support the Socktober Drive as well — including Swire Coca-Cola, St. John The Evangelist School and others.
“The community loves to do drives,” Beasley said. “We have many businesses that have put boxes in their establishment and they challenge themselves internally and they have the outside community coming in to donate as well.
“It’s a lot of fun all over the community to do this.”
Additionally, The Salvation Army accepts monetary donations online that donors can specify for the Socktober Drive, as well as physical checks at the Hospitality House or Amphi Corps.
Last year’s Socktober Drive, Beasley said, was the largest the organization has organized so far. The Salvation Army Tucson distributed 4,277 new pairs of socks to unhoused individuals. She said that on distribution day, those in need visit the Hospitality House for showers, essential supplies and other resources — including a new pair of socks. Recipients can select socks from designated bins based on their individual needs.
The Socktober Drive is one of various efforts The Salvation Army Tucson has organized through the end of the year to help people experiencing homelessness in the city of Tucson. The organization is currently collecting jars of peanut butter and jelly for its “Spread the Love” Drive — combatting food insecurity with shelf-stable and nutritious food items that Beasley said children also tend to enjoy. The drive began on Sept. 1 and will continue through the end of the month.
Whether through socks, food or other necessities, Beasley said the goal is to meet people where their needs are.
“The Salvation Army is just happy to accommodate whatever their needs are,” Beasley said. “Being able to give them socks and the other necessities that they need just makes my heart full.”
