Hanes Expands National Sock Drive for Homeless, Makes Giving Easy

Hanes recently announced that it will donate 200,000 pairs of socks to The Salvation Army and is expanding this year’s effort by coordinating the collection of new socks at 160 HanesBrands Outlet stores across the country.

This collection effort includes the Hanes Outlet stores in River Ridge Market Place and Asheville Outlets.

“Walking a mile in someone’s shoes takes on a much different meaning when that person is homeless,” says Sidney Falken, chief branding officer for HanesBrands. “Socks are the most requested – and least donated – item in homeless shelters. And access to something as basic as a clean, dry pair of socks can literally save lives within our country’s homeless population.”

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According to the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, an estimated 2.5 million to 3.5 million Americans experienced homelessness last year. One of the impacts of homelessness is the physical toll. People who are homeless walk an average of 10 miles per day, putting more wear on their socks in one week than the average American does in one year.

HanesBrands has donated more than 1.9 million pairs of socks to The Salvation Army since launching the program in 2009. The program is part of “Hanes for Good”, the company’s corporate social responsibility program focused on environmental stewardship, workplace quality and community building.

Lt. Col. Ron Busroe, The Salvation Army’s national community relations and development secretary, says: “We are grateful to the company and Hanes brand for spearheading the sock drive for almost a decade. The impact that a donation of this size has on our centers is immeasurable. The donation is about more than just the physical socks — for some of the people we serve, receiving something as simple as a clean pair of socks can have a positive effect on their overall well-being.”

Asheville can join in this effort and directly support the local community through sock donations at the Hanes Outlet stores in River Ridge Market Place and Asheville Outlets. Collection bins are located at checkout counters, making it easy to donate as purchases are made. Store employees will distribute the donated socks to local nonprofit organizations.

“During the holidays, our giving spirit and best intentions can sometimes be hindered by our demanding schedules,” Falken says. “With sock collection bins in our outlet locations, Hanes is making it much easier for our customers to help their neighbors in need.”

Visit Hanes.com/hanesforgood for information on additional ways to give during the holiday season.