Many of Prince George’s most vulnerable citizens spend winter in running shoes and thin cotton socks.
Alisha Tobin wants to change that and for the sixth year is asking Prince George residents to donate gently used winter footwear for those in need, along with any other winter gear, during the Boot & Sock Drive.
Drop off is at the Fire Pit, Positive Living North’s street-level drop in centre, at 1120 Third Ave., before noon on Wednesday, Nov. 1.
In particular, donations of men’s winter boots in size 10 and up and women’s winter boots size 8 and up are most welcome as that what’s needed most.
Warm winter socks, coats, jackets, gloves, scarves, long johns, blankets and even hand warmers are also gratefully accepted.
“Anything that will help keep people warm,” Tobin said.
During the first Boot & Sock Drive, there were 60 pairs of boots donated and it has grown ever since with more than 200 pairs donated last year and the hope is to match that number this year.
Tobin started the Boot & Sock Drive six years ago because, as a little girl she spent time in her grandfather’s downtown store where those in need would come in and her grandfather would provide them with what they needed.
“And now my eight-year-old has learned that we treat everybody the same and seeing me helping has made him aware of those who are on the streets and he is always asking me to help them,” Tobin said. “He quotes back to me what my grandfather always told me – ‘be the change you wish to see in the world‘ and now that’s his thing.”
For more information email [email protected] or call the Fire Pit at 250-563-6113.
