Article by Mandy Garford.
A few years ago now, I was helping set up the Winter Shelter.
We were setting out air beds in the hall, checking the curtains closed properly and the heating worked for a comfortable night’s stay. In the other room, board games were ready and I could smell something lovely for dinner. I was beginning to think I would be quite happy staying here, when one of the organizers said something that would stay with me for years…
When they come in, they often have wet feet this time of year; rain or snow. So, they take off their shoes and hang their socks on the radiators to dry out. They are not clean, plenty of holes and smell as they warm up on the radiators. We have a selection of donated jumpers, shirts, trousers, even shoes – but no socks!
I discovered that socks are one of the most needed but least donated item of clothing. They don’t cost much and can make a huge difference out on the streets. Warm feet is everything!
In 2016, I started the Dartford Sock Appeal to do just that…provide socks for some of the guests at the Winter Shelter.
In 2017, we began to help more people in Dartford by donating socks to other charities that helped people in need. This year we are reaching out even further to help even more people in the North Kent Area. We ask for new socks for hygiene reasons, but there are no rules on sizes or gender. Anyone can find themselves in need.
We would love your help to keep feet warm this winter. We are collecting in January, February and March.
Please donate to any of our drop off points!
🧦 Gravesend Foodbank, Riverside Community Centre, Dickens Road, Gravesend, DA12 2JY
🧦 Marie’s Tea Room, 23 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA
🧦 Re-animated Games, 21 Darnley Road, Gravesend, DA11 0RZ
🧦 Made in Dartford Shop, High Street, Dartford
🧦 Stephen Oliver Studio and Gallery, Orchards Shopping Centre, Dartford, DA1 1DN
🧦 Wisdom Estates, 76 Spital Street, Dartford, DA1 2DT
For more enquiries, please email NorthKentSockAppeal@gmail.com
