Annual campaign collects socks for homeless

Socks are the least donated item to homeless shelters, yet they are vital to helping homeless people stay dry, warm and free from disease.

According to a news release, charities often cannot accept used socks for sanitary reasons, and buying new socks doesn’t always seem apparent to those making donations. However, as the cold sets in, the need is greater.

Footprints to Recovery is kicking off its third annual Socks of Love campaign, with the hope of collecting 10,000 pairs of socks nationally. The socks accepted through the Centennial donation center will be dispersed to the Samaritan House Homeless Shelter, 2301 Lawrence St. in downtown Denver. Distribution dates will be Tuesday, Dec. 17 and Wednesday, Jan. 15.

“It is the little things in life that we take for granted each day, such as a clean pair of socks to put on in the morning,” Mike Sinnett, vice president of Catholic Charities, said in the release. “However, if you are experiencing homelessness, socks are not taken for granted but a valued resource, especially in the winter.”

Donations of new socks can be dropped off at Footprints to Recovery Alcohol & Drug Outpatient Treatment Facility, 6505 S. Paris St., Centennial; Mental Health Colorado, 1120 Lincoln St., Ste. 1606, Denver; or Salon Bodhi, 563 Detroit St., Denver.

Those who would like to donate online, go to https://footprintstorecovery.com/blog/socks-of-love-3rd-annual-donation-drive-to-help-the-homeless/?sfns=mo.

Footprints to Recovery is a collection of regional drug and alcohol treatment centers with headquarters in Chicago and facilities in Illinois, Colorado and New Jersey. The treatment centers provide services that include customized treatment planning, individual and group therapy and co-occurring and dual diagnosis care. Supplementary and alternative services include acupuncture, chiropractic work, massage therapy, meditation practices, pet and equine therapy, spirituality groups, 12-step programming, writing workshops and yoga. Learn more at https://footprintstorecovery.com.