Peoples Bank Collecting Socks For Homeless Residents

From People's Bank: Recognizing that socks are the most requested clothing item at homeless shelters, today Peoples Bank launched its inaugural “Share a Pair During Socktober” campaign with the goal of donating 5,000 new pairs of socks to non-profit organizations serving homeless communities in the state. Starting on October 1 and continuing through the end of the month, Peoples Bank will accept donations of new pairs of socks at its 23 branches. The Bank will also donate socks on behalf of customers who share and tag photos of people wearing fun, crazy socks using #shareapair on Instagram and Facebook, and customers who visit a branch wearing fun socks and agree to have their photo taken and shared on social media.

In Snohomish County, donated socks will be delivered to the Everett Gospel Mission in early November. Other recipients across the state include the Seattle Union Gospel Mission, Lighthouse Mission, Northwest Youth Services, Lydia Place, Skagit Community Action, Haven of Hope in Wenatchee and the Whidbey Homeless Coalition.

Addressing Homelessness in Snohomish County

According to the January 2018 Point-in-Time Count report, 858 people in Snohomish County did not have a permanent place to sleep. These numbers included 378 unsheltered people, 364 people in emergency shelters, and 116 who were enrolled in transitional housing. While these figures represent a 27 percent decrease in the local homeless population compared to 2017, Snohomish County’s unsheltered population has grown by 10 percent annually since 2013.

“The goal of our Socktober event is to raise awareness of homelessness in our communities and be a part of the solution to help those in need,” said Michelle Barrett, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking & Marketing Officer. “Every night in Washington state an estimated 22,000 people live on the streets or in shelters or transitional living. Donating socks can make a difference in the lives of our homeless neighbors.”

Peoples Bank opened its first branch in Snohomish County in 2006 and today has 42 full time employees at its five branches across Snohomish County. Peoples Bank encourages employees to volunteer in their local communities by providing regular opportunities for involvement and paid time off for eligible employees. Through its "Community Involvement Day" program, employees are offered up to eight paid hours annually to use their skills and knowledge to improve their communities.

More information about the “Share a Pair During Socktober” campaign can be found at www.peoplesbank-wa.com/socktober.

Image via People's Bank