Shoe Sensation is collecting socks for homeless veterans from now through Dec. 31

Monica Zalaznik
November 2, 2022

BUCKHANNON – Shoe Sensation’s Socks for Troops fundraiser plans to work with the local VFW this year.

Shoe Sensation’s annual Socks for Troops drive kicked off Nov. 1 and will continue through Dec. 31. Shoe sensation store manager Genevia Jenkins said they have partnered with Buckhannon’s local VFW Post 3663 this year.

“We’ve decided to keep it local this year, we’ve made contact with the local VFW, and they have partnered with us and we would just like for them to be the recipient of all the donations this year, for distribution back in Upshur County,” Jenkins said. “The homeless veterans will make contact with the VFW so they’re more likely to get a good distribution.”

Last year, Buckhannon’s Shoe Sensation worked with the VA Hospital in Clarksburg and collected 2,300 pairs of socks.

“We would like to beat last year and go over 2,300 — it would be wonderful — and that’s why we’re asking for all the support from the community,” Jenkins said. “The company goal altogether is 50,000 so we’re hoping to be a good contributor to that goal.”

Customers can receive 20 percent off socks purchased in the store, monetary donations will also be accepted, and packs of unopened socks will be accepted at their store.

“We’re very fortunate to work for a company that supports our military and the military families that we have in our communities, so we’re excited to kick off Shoe Sensation’s seventh year participating in this drive,” Jenkins said. “Leaders in our company have always been supportive of our military and we feel like it’s one of the ways that we can give back to our military.”

Jenkins said socks are one of the most-needed items in the homeless community.

“In the veterans’ and elderly communities, socks are a staple that everyone needs and oftentimes it’s the little things like this that go to the wayside so they can have something else like food and medication,” Jenkins said. “It’s a heart-warming gift, it makes you feel good to give something to someone that will add so much comfort to their life and I think it’s a win-win for everybody.”