Arcadia University donated 240 pairs of thick socks to Project HOME on Tuesday, Dec. 10 as part of the #UKnightedTuesday campaign.

Project HOME is a Philadelphia nonprofit organization empowering individuals to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness through affordable housing, employment, health care, and education. According to John Owens, volunteer and in-kind gift coordinator, the socks will be distributed at the Hub of Hope in Suburban Station.

“Socks and foot care are very important to those who are experiencing homelessness and are traveling across the city,” said Owens. “If people aren’t changing their socks daily or weekly, then they can start to develop fungus that can deter their health.”

Socks can also be layered or used as gloves to provide vital warmth during winter months. 

The socks were donated as part of an alumni campaign that launched on Dec. 3’s #UKnightedTuesday. Alumni who donated $35 or more to the University were eligible for the “get a pair, give a pair” program, where participants received a pair of Arcadia-branded socks and a pair of grey socks was donated to Project HOME. This campaign was organized by Arcadia’s University Advancement.

“This is a nice way for our alumni to not only help the Arcadia community, but provide a necessity to someone in need,” said Jane Maloney, director of Annual Giving at Arcadia. “The University has a wonderful relationship with Project HOME, and we look forward to collaborating with them on projects in the future.”