Boscov’s donates thermal socks to poor, homeless

Department store partners with sock maker Heat Holders

Boscov’s Department Stores teamed with Heat Holders, a thermal-sock maker, on January 14 to donate 960 pairs of Heat Holders socks to representatives of the YMCA Reading, Veterans Making a Difference, Opportunity House and Hope Rescue Mission.

The presentation took place in the men’s department at the Boscov’s East store, 4500 Perkiomen Ave., Exeter Township. The socks will be distributed to residents and participants in outreach programs offered by the four agencies known for helping the homeless and less fortunate.

Heat Holders began distribution of its thermal socks in North America in 2011. Since getting started, Heat Holders officials have supported the Making Life Warmer Project, which seeks and distributes free products to the point where the company has developed a reputation for giving, officials said. Soon, many charities and organizations began asking for Heat Holders’ help.

Since the start of the Making Life Warmer Project, Heat Holders has partnered with retailers like Boscov’s to help spread the warmth to more of the less fortunate.

Boscov’s, known for its philanthropic work, continues along the path set by founder the late Albert R. Boscov, and works closely with many local nonprofits. It was thrilled to join the Heat Holders initiative, said Boscov’s spokeswoman Esta Neugroschel.

“We really pride ourselves on our community involvement, so we’re excited to be able to partner with Heat Holders to make the holidays a little brighter and a lot warmer for people,” Neugroschel said.

To learn more about Heat Holders Making Life Warmer Project, visit www. heatholders.com/givingback

Boscov’s has 48 stores in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio, Connecticut and Rhode Island and has been in business for more than 100 years. Most recently, Boscov’s announced plans for yet another de- partment store in Ohio.

LAUREN A. LITTLE — MEDIANEWS GROUP Hope Rescue Mission executive director Rob Turchi picks up a donation of Heat Holders Socks from Boscov’s East on January 14.

Nicole Blanski, center, Boscov’s regional manager of community relations and special events, helps Doug Graybill from Veterans Making a Difference with a donation of Heat Holders socks at Boscov’s East on January 14.

LAUREN A. LITTLE — MEDIANEWS GROUP Boscovs employees help the Hope Rescue Mission, the Reading YMCA, Opportunity House and Veterans Making a Difference load donations of Heat Holders socks at Boscov’s East on January 14.

Reading YMCA Director of Development Michele Reinert loads a donation of Heat Holders socks at Boscov’s East on January 14.

Doug and Liz Graybill of Veterans Making a Difference load a donation of Heat Holders socks from Boscov’s East into their car January 14