Niagara Pride holding 2nd annual winter sock drive to benefit WNY homeless

Niagara Pride is hosting its second annual winter sock drive to benefit local homeless. The organization seeks donations of new socks, undergarments, T-shirts and personal hygiene items, which will be given to local homeless shelters and other agencies.

Individuals wishing to donate can drop off items at the Niagara Pride offices, located inside St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 140 Rainbow Blvd, Niagara Falls, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Feb. 11, 18 and 25, and March 4.

Additional locations now include:

• Wilson Lakeside Market – 337 Lake St., Wilson
• NCCC – Learning Commons Entry Way, 3111 Saunders Settlement Road, Sanborn
• UB North Campus – Tutoring & Academic Support Services Office, 130 Capen Hall, Amherst
• Riverside Presbyterian Church – 815 84th St., Niagara Falls
• GO ART! and GLOW OUT! – 201 E. Main St., Batavia

The sock drive runs from Feb. 1 until March 5.

Niagara Pride is also seeking community partners willing to serve as drop off locations. It encourages business, churches and other organizations interested in donating to contact Niagara Pride directly to schedule a pickup.

All donations made to Niagara Pride during the month of February, whether cash or check, or through its website (www.niagarapride.org), will be used to purchase socks as part of this drive.

Niagara Pride President Ronald Piaseczny said, “From our work in the community, we know that items like socks, undergarments and personal care items are often overlooked when donating clothes items to homeless shelters. Socks are actually the No. 1 item requested. Socks help with staying warm and dry during our winter months.”

A press release noted, “Last year, Niagara Pride set a goal of 600 pairs to be donated and through the incredible generosity of WNYers, 2,213 pairs ended up being donated. This year, Niagara Pride is hoping to raise 2,500 pairs of socks.”

For more information on the sock drive, contact Niagara Pride at [email protected] or at 716-298-7656. Follow Niagara Pride on Facebook for updates on the sock drive, or go to www.niagarapride.org to make a monetary donation.