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Mayor Siddiqui and Vice Mayor Mallon Announce 5th Annual Warm Hearts Warm Feet Sock Drive

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 2 years ago.

Picture of socks with Warm Hearts Warm Feet written in a heart. Feb 1-14th with links to the pages to donate.

Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and Vice-Mayor Alanna Mallon are partnering with CASPAR & Bay Cove, Cambridge Police Department, and CambridgeSide to collect and donate 2,500 wool socks to unhoused residents for the 5th Annual “Warm Hearts, Warm Feet Sock Drive.” From February 1, 2022 through February 14, 2022, this year’s sock drive aims to build on last year’s successful drive and have more socks donated than ever before. The Cambridge community has shown us year after year their generosity and commitment to helping those who experience homelessness during winter months.

This year, people can donate wool socks at a Bay Cove CASPAR donation bin located at City Hall, CambridgeSide, Hilton’s Tent City, Cambridge Police Department, or virtually through our Amazon Wishlist. There are also a number of local options to purchase socks from, including Teddy Shoes, Cambridge Naturals, Cambridge Clogs, The Andover Shop, and David’s Shoes on First. 

 “This year has been very difficult for our residents, especially our neighbors experiencing homelessness. The Cambridge community always rises to the occasion, and I hope that this year will be our most successful yet to provide as many socks as possible to those in need,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “I am grateful to our community partners and residents who make our annual sock drive possible and help us continue to grow the effort each year.”

Mayor Siddiqui and Vice-Mayor Mallon started the sock drive in 2018 after witnessing firsthand the critical need for wool socks during their visit at the CASPAR/Bay Cove Shelter at 240 Albany Street.

"Mayor Siddiqui and I heard loud and clear in 2018 that one of the most needed items at 240 Albany Street and on the First Step van was wool socks. Unhoused residents are typically medically vulnerable and having cold wet feet even in temperatures as high as 40 degrees can lead to frostbite. This drive is one small way the community can help protect our homeless population and ensure their safety during the winter months."

Exposure to extreme weather during the cold winter months makes wool socks an incredibly important item of clothing for unhoused residents. 

"One pair of wool socks may seem like a small thing, but it's crucially important to a homeless neighbor living outdoors during the frigid winter months. And that one pair of socks is more than just a source of warmth," stated Julia W. Londergan, Esq., Director of Development at CASPAR. "Each pair of socks that a member of CASPAR's Street Outreach Team hands out can also be a lifeline – that initial connection with our staff that can lead a person into our shelter, where they can gain access to additional services and care, and hopefully get started on the path to safe and permanent housing. Knowing that our unhoused population has increased this year makes this effort even more necessary."

Given the emergent need for wool socks, all socks collected during the drive will be distributed on a rolling basis to our homeless neighbors. Donated wool socks should be at least 70% wool to be the most effective shield against inclement weather.

  • Donate wool socks online at this link

  • Donate wool socks at a donation bin:

    • City Hall

    • CambridgeSide

    • Hilton’s Tent City

    • Cambridge Police Department (6th Street)

  • Donate money to BayCove/CASPAR: tinyurl.com/warmheartsCASPAR

For more information, please contact Subu Karmacharya, Community Outreach Manager, at skarmacharya@cambridgema.gov.
Page was posted on 1/31/2022 10:00 AM
Page was last modified on 12/31/2023 11:06 PM
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