United Way begins Toasty Toes Sock Drive

United Way of Lethbridge and South Western Alberta is teaming up with local partners to collect socks for vulnerable people.

The third annual Toasty Toes Sock Drive is hoping to collect 25,000 pairs of socks across the province in partnership with United Way and Wood’s Homes.

During September, chiropractic clinics in the area along with the United Way in Lethbridge will act as drop-off points for new pairs of socks.

Last year in Lethbridge and area the program collected nearly 800 pairs of socks, with 200 pairs donated from the community directly. This year, organizers hope to collect 1,000 pairs locally.

Connolly Tate-Mitchell, communications for the United Way, said she is hoping for another good turnout from chiropractic offices in the area again this year.

“I’m fairly certain that if someone was to drop off a donation of socks at a chiropractic office, they wouldn’t be refused,” she said.

However, because the list of participating chiropractic centres is still being finalized, anyone interested in donating socks to Toasty Toes is asked for now to make that donation at the United Way office in Lethbridge at 1277 3 Ave. S.

Socks will be distributed throughout the communities where they are needed.

“We have a variety of partner agencies we work with,” said Tate-Mitchell.

Agencies include Streets Alive Mission, YWCA, Woods Homes, SASHA, the John Howard Society of Alberta and Taber Safe Haven.

“(The socks go to) homeless shelters and a variety of services for people who walk around a lot,” said Tate-Mitchell.

Socks are a basic necessity but one of the least donated items. Vulnerable populations often do not have proper access to socks and can make staying warm and dry during the winter especially difficult.

“Individuals who access shelter services often walk for hours during the daytime,” stated Jennifer Forrest, Resource Development Director of United Way Central Alberta, in a news release. “Without socks, walking in severe winter weather can lead to some very serious health issues. Every donation of socks is well used and very appreciated.”

“Improving the well-being of Albertans is something that Alberta’s chiropractors feel passionately about,” stated Dr. Chad Kulak, president of the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors. “Through this year’s campaign, we are aiming to help even more of our vulnerable citizens to prepare for the impending cold.”

“As the cold approaches, foot-related injuries are a big deal,” said Tate-Mitchell. “Things like frostbite, and when your feet get wet, and you can’t always get someplace warm to dry them out.

“People living on the street need that support to stay healthy.”

To find a local participating chiropractor’s office and for more information, visit albertachiro.com.

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