Submitted by: Peoples Bank
Recognizing that socks are the most requested clothing item at homeless shelters, Peoples Bank launched its inaugural “Share a Pair During Socktober” campaign with the goal of donating 5,000 new pairs of socks to nonprofit 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 Whatcom County, donated socks will be sorted and delivered to Lighthouse Mission, Lydia Place and Northwest Youth Services in early November. Other recipients in the state include the Seattle Union Gospel Mission, Everett Gospel Mission, Skagit Community Action, Haven of Hope in Wenatchee and the Whidbey Homeless Coalition.
“We walk alongside hundreds of people a day experiencing homelessness in Whatcom County, taking them from suffering to flourishing with outcome-based programs, friendship, dignity and hope that they too can break the cycle of homelessness in their lives,” said Hans Erchinger-Davis, Executive Director of Lighthouse Mission. “New socks are among the greatest material needs for our people, and we are grateful to Peoples Bank for spearheading this big-hearted campaign.”
Addressing Homelessness in Whatcom County
According to the Whatcom County Coalition to End Homelessness 2018 Annual Report, 815 people are experiencing homelessness in the county, and hundreds more are believed to be at risk of losing their homes and becoming homeless throughout the year due to a lack of affordable housing, economic difficulties, family break up, mental illness, addiction and domestic violence.
“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 was founded in Lynden nearly 100 years ago and today has 285 full-time employees at its nine branches across Whatcom 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 “Share a Pair During Socktober” can be found at www.peoplesbank-wa.com/socktober.
About Peoples Bank
Peoples Bank is a locally owned and operated, independent full-service community bank with $1.7 billion in assets. Headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, the Bank was founded in 1921 and operates 23 branches located throughout Washington. In its most recent rating, Bauer Financial, a leading independent bank rating firm, awarded Peoples Bank its highest five-star superior rating. This rating recognizes Peoples Bank’s strong financial management practices, dedicated employees and long-standing customer relationships. Learn more about Peoples Bank at https://www.peoplesbank-wa.com/.
