United Way of Greater Nashua Shares 5000 Pairs of Socks with 20 Greater Nashua Nonprofits

Each fall, United Way of Greater Nashua receives a huge donation of 5000 pairs of socks from the American company Bombas (http://bombas.com), whose mission is to donate one pair of socks to a homeless shelter or homelessness-related charity for every pair of socks purchased. Their mission was designed in direct response to the fact that socks are the number one requested item at homeless shelters. 

United Way of Greater Nashua shares the majority of the socks they receive with other organizations in the area. This year socks will be going to nearly 20 nonprofits whose missions include addiction recovery support, domestic and sexual violence support, mental health counseling, youth homelessness intervention, food pantries in downtown Nashua and at faith communities, organizations supporting seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, and organizations supporting families transitioning from homelessness.  Socks were shared with organizations like SHARE Outreach in Milford, St. John Neumann Food Pantry in Merrimack, Southern NH Rescue Mission, St. Joseph Hospital Employee Food Pantry, and Harbor Care. 

This infusion of socks into the community will particularly help our neighbors experiencing homelessness stay healthy. Clean, dry socks prevent skin infections, nail diseases, frostbite, and trench foot, which are especially difficult problems for people without a home to recover from. People experiencing homelessness log many hours on their feet searching for assistance and food, which can cause shoes and socks to wear through quickly. It is particularly difficult to maintain warm and dry feet while spending days outside, especially in extreme cold or rain since many homeless shelters close during daytime hours. 

Because United Way works with so many local organizations who regularly engage with people experiencing homelessness and others who may need a hand staying warm and dry, they are able to reach a large swathe of the Greater Nashua Community who may be in need of socks. If you know of a neighbor in need of socks please encourage them to call 211 or contact their local food pantry or free clothing closet. 

United Way of Greater Nashua is an independent 510(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1929 to serve the residents of Greater Nashua. Its mission is to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. United Way of Greater Nashua has received GuideStar and Charity Navigator’s top ratings for accountability, transparency, and financial management. For more information or to get involved as a donor or volunteer, please email United Way of Greater Nashua at info@unitedwaynashua.org or visit their website at www.unitedwaynashua.org.