One of the biggest needs for homeless shelters and those serving the homeless are socks. Yes, socks. Since 2014, Anna Radspinner and the Curtin Intermediate School have held Socktober. Every student would bring in a pair or bundle of unused socks to give to organizations throughout the community. In the past, socks were provided to organizations like the West End Christian Community Center, American Rescue Workers-Williamsport, Family Promise of Lycoming County, the YWCA of Northcentral PA, and Sojourner Truth Ministries.

But COVID-19 changed all that. And the Lycoming County United Way (LCUW) stepped in to help.

“The United Way is not just a source of funding. We’re a community partner,” said Ron Frick, President of LCUW. “Whether it’s working with the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania on COVID-19 United Community Funds, or UPMC with Help the Helpers, we are here to help mobilize the collective resources of the community to change lives, and Anna Radspinner has been a friend for many years. I just could not say no.”

Now through November 30, as part of Homelessness Awareness Month, Lycoming County United Way will be accepting donations in support of Socktober. Each community partner will share equally in net proceeds raised. To give to the project, you can visit http://www.lcuw.org/socktober and make a gift. All proceeds will be distributed equally to the community organizations that Curtin Intermediate has helped in the past.

“We think that other organizations might want to be a part of this so who knows how big it could become. We definitely see the need and are thrilled to be working with Anna and Andrew G. Curtin (AGC) Intermediate School,” said Melyssa McHale, Director of Community Impact at LCUW.

Anna Radspinner, founder of the local Socktober effort, said “Socks have become a part of our DNA at Curtin thanks to our involvement in the Socktober movement. Our students have learned that a simple pair of new socks can give hope to the hopeless. It’s a gift that shows someone cares. With the COVID-19 crisis, there is an even greater need in our city for hope. However, our school is unable to collect socks as it cannot be done in a safe manner. I am grateful to the United Way for seeing this need in our community and partnering with our school so that we can continue to help those in need. Without the United Way stepping up to help, this project would not have been able to happen this year and I would have been heartbroken. This has become a part of the ACG culture and people count on us. I am so excited about this new partnership and grateful to be a part of it.”

Supporting the Lycoming County United Way means supporting your community and fighting for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Because change doesn’t happen alone.

For questions or additional information regarding the Lycoming County United Way, please contact Ron Frick, President at 570.666.4382.

For additional information on Socktober, please contact Anna Radspinner at aradspin@wasd.org.

To give to the Lycoming County United Way, visit us at http://www.lcuw.org and click the DONATE button or text LIVE UNITED to 50155.
About Lycoming County United Way (LCUW)

Lycoming County United Way is a charitable non-profit organization that builds partnerships to solve community problems and raises funds for human service programs. We fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. Working with community partners, we mobilize the collective resources in our communities to strengthen families and change the lives of people in Lycoming, Sullivan, and Tioga counties. This is done by assessing the needs of each community, generating resources, investing in programs, and measuring results. For more information, visit http://lcuw.org/, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Socktober

Each night in the United States, an estimated 600,000 people live on the streets. In 2020, Socktober is hoping that two million people will show that even a small act of love, such as donating a pair of socks, can make a big difference in the lives of our neighbors who are homeless. 

In October 2011, creator Brad Montague realized there was a large homeless population in his hometown, and he wanted to do something about it. While researching the needs of the homeless community, he learned that socks are the items least donated to homeless shelters. So Brad took action. He began to film himself wishing people “Happy Socktober!” as he gave out pairs of socks on the streets, and he posted these videos on social media.

Kids and adults around the world have started their own sock drives to benefit their local homeless shelters. In 2013, Socktober teamed up with Kid President to spread the word and encourage more people to participate. Last year, participants on all seven continents donated pairs of socks!

To learn more visit https://www.happysocktober.com/learn-the-story.