Businesses Partner to Provide Socks and Support to Vermont's Homeless

BARRE, VT - Lenny's Shoe & Apparel, Darn Tough Vermont and Smartwool teamed up to donate 800 pairs of socks and $2,900 to representatives from local homeless and temporary shelters. The donations are the result of a joint effort between the three businesses to help provide warm, Merino wool socks and much-needed support to Vermont's homeless population in preparation for the state's colder months.

“After the difficulties our state has been dealt recently, more so than ever we feel it's important to help out those in our communities who are less fortunate,” said Ric Cabot, President of Darn Tough Vermont. “It's amazing to live in a place with such a strong sense of community. We're thrilled to work with Smartwool and Lenny's to help those in need of basic necessities.”

Over the weekend of September 22-25, 2011, Lenny's Shoe & Apparel held their first annual Charity Sock Sale. Darn Tough Vermont and Smartwool agreed to donate one pair of socks for each pair sold of their respective brands at Lenny's stores across Vermont during the sale. In addition to the sock donation, Lenny's graciously agreed to donate $2.00 for each pair sold.

The organizations who received these donations include the Samaritan House and Voices Against Violence's/Laurie's House in St. Albans, the Burlington Emergency Shelter and Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) in Burlington, and the Good Samaritan Haven in Barre. Cabot adds, “Socks are what we do at Darn Tough, and if socks can serve to lend a hand to those in need, we are by all means privileged to help.”

“This collaborative effort was a great success, thanks to the generosity of our customers and the companies involved,” said Lenny's Vice President Marc McCarthy. “The local charities serving Vermont's homeless do an exceptional job and these donations are our way to help support their mission.”

"Thank you to Lenny's Shoe & Apparel, Darn Tough Vermont Socks and SmartWool for your continued support of the Good Samaritan Haven. The donation of socks could not have come at a better time, when the weather is cold and wet. Please know that your support and donations stay local. 45% of the homeless people we serve are from Washington County and 30% from elsewhere in Vermont." -Kimberley Woolaver, Executive Director, Good Samaritan Haven

Photo Captions: Becky Holt, Director of Development & Communications Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS). Pictured from left: Kimberley Woolaver, Executive Director, Barre Good Samaritan Haven; Ric Cabot, President, Darn Tough Vermont; Linda Ryan, Executive Director, St. Albans Samaritan House; Matt Ronca, Sales Representative, Smartwool; Antonia Opitz, Event Services Consultant, Burlington Committee on Temporary Shelter; Mark McCarthy, Vice-President, Lenny's Shoe & Apparel; Valerie Brosseau, Community Relations Director, Burlington Emergency Shelter.