Marketing Agency Havas Life has partnered with the Coalition for the Homeless – the United States’ oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping homeless men, women and children – to launch the #SocksForBlocks initiative, which invites New Yorkers to donate new socks and other items like razors, underwear, hats, gloves, feminine products and toiletries.
On Wednesday, Nov. 22, the day before Thanksgiving, Havas Life employees will collectively walk 10 miles of New York City blocks to distribute the essential items in packaged bags.
The homeless walk an average of 10 miles per day – that’s 200 city blocks – and for the 62,000+ homeless people living in New York City, a winter without proper socks and basic items can be challenging.
Allison Ceraso, managing director and chief creative officer said of the #SocksForBlocks initiative: “New York City is in constant motion and that can mean that we take for granted that even the people right next to us might not be as fortunate as you are. The holiday season is always a great moment to step back and not just acknowledge the small privileges you’re fortunate to enjoy on a daily basis but also to take action and make a real change in other people’s lives. We’re happy to be able to do that this year with #SocksForBlocks and are incredibly honored to have a partner like Coalition for Homeless by our side. Every small step towards change matters.”
The dangers of walking around in the cold with no socks or with old, thin socks include exposure to frostbite, nerve damage, infections that can spread into the bones and blood, and other infections that create itching, burning, lesions, and callouses.
Those interested in donating are encouraged to donate directly to the Coalition for the Homeless, located at 129 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038. Or email Elizabeth.kaplun@havas.com to make arrangements.
Follow the #SocksForBlocks effort on Instagram @havaslifenewyork.
