Fall is upon us in the Old Pueblo and the Salvation Army Tucson has kicked off the season with the 4th Annual Socktober drive.
The in-kind donation event, which continues through Oct. 31, seeks to surpass the record 4,481 pairs of new socks collected last year.
The sock drive is simple, impactful and essential, according to Kelli Beasley, a spokesperson for Salvation Army Tucson.
She said socks are the most requested and least donated items in shelters; and that they make a huge difference in health, hygiene and warmth for the unhoused.
“Donations of socks are an easy, inexpensive way for people to give back to neighbors in need. We get lots of people who donate new socks that may not be able to afford to do other things. But they get together with family or friends or their co-workers and challenge each other and try to outdo each other. It is lots of fun, and collectively, the donations have a big impact,” Beasley said.
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Donors can also tailor their contributions to men, women, children and even pets.
“Dogs need to be warm too, and since our shelters take pets, we need donations of dog booties,” Beasley said.
Salvation Army Tucson Case Manager Nicole Cruz said that the dog booties are needed year-round in Tucson.
For the second consecutive year, Cruz is spearheading a drive for dog booties with fellow employees, family members and friends.
“Dogs need booties in the winter when it is cold, but we have experienced situations with dogs coming in with blisters and bleeding paws when it is really, really hot. And when people are homeless, they tend to walk the streets a lot and that really makes their dogs’ paws rough and raw,” she said.
She emphasized that providing assistance for dogs — who are often the sole source of emotional support for their owners — can help the unhoused to receive resources such as employment, healthcare and more.
“Lots of times their dog is their companion and their protector, and many people won’t come to shelters unless their dogs can come with them. If their dog isn’t welcome, they won’t stay, and they need to be receiving case management to receive services,” Cruz said.
The Salvation Army Hospitality House also provides free dog food and works with Pima Animal Care Center to provide vaccines and spay and neuter services.
“When we give out dog food and booties, it is an opportunity to present dog owners with other resources for their animals. We are hub now for dog resources for people on the streets,” Cruz said.
Donations of dog booties and new, unused socks for men, women and children can be dropped at the Salvation Army Tucson Hospitality House, 1002 N. Main Ave. Most needed are adult sizes medium and large and black and white athletic styles in crew or sport length for men. Socks can also be dropped at Bryten Real Estate Partners, 4801 E. Broadway Blvd., #311.
For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Kristin Ohman at at kristin.ohman@usw.salvationarmy.org or call 520-448-3997.
