Community West Foundation expands SocksPLUS program into Lorain County

Community West Foundation announced they have expanded their SocksPLUS initiative into Lorain County through partnerships with area leaders helping people experiencing homelessness.   

Community West started SocksPLUS in 2014 after learning that socks were, and still are, the number one requested item by homeless people. Every year, they collect new socks and other essential items to be given directly to those in need.

Items collected for SocksPLUS can now be taken to Good Neighbor Thrift Shop, a ministry of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, located at 158 Lear Road in Avon Lake. The donations will be picked up by non-profit community service agency, Neighborhood Alliance, for sorting and distribution to those who are struggling through the Lorain County Taskforce for the Homeless. 

“We are thrilled about the program expansion into Lorain County because it means more support for those who are suffering,” commented Marty Uhle, President and CEO of Community West Foundation. 

“Individuals and families experiencing homelessness desperately need basic supplies,” remarked Alicia Foss, President and CEO of Neighborhood Alliance. “The SocksPLUS program will help us to distribute essential items to those who need it most in Lorain County, and we are honored to play a role in ensuring donations reach as many people as possible.”

SocksPLUS items needed for people who are homeless:

• New Socks

• New Underwear

• Toiletries

• Winter Gloves and Hats

• Backpacks

• Sleeping Bags

• Tents (must be folded tightly in order to be accepted for donation)

Monetary donations are always welcome and can be made online at www.SockPlus.org or mailed to the Community West Foundation office located at 800 Sharon Drive, Westlake, OH 44145. A gift of just $10 will help purchase 10 pairs of socks. A larger donation provides socks PLUS gloves, hats, boots and other necessities that are so desperately needed. When you support SocksPLUS, 100% of your donation is used to provide caring assistance to our struggling neighbors.

The program has seen exponential growth since its inception in 2014 providing over $1 million in funding and in-kind donations to the homeless in our community.

Maria Estes

Community West Foundation, Marketing & Communications Director

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Volume 13, Issue 22, Posted 10:24 AM, 11.16.2021