Hanes, America’s leading basic apparel, underwear and sock brand is donating 225,000 pairs of socks to organisations fighting homelessness across the United States in its ninth year of sponsoring the Hanes National Sock Drive.

Hanes is continuing to partner with national agencies, including The Salvation Army, Invisible People and Covenant House, while increasing the local impact of the programme by engaging directly with at least one agency in every state to distribute the apparel. Since the programme’s inception in 2009, Hanes has provided more than 2.5 million pairs of socks – the most requested item by relief agencies – to help the homeless.

“Most of us take basic apparel for granted, but we know a clean pair of socks can mean a lot to those experiencing homelessness,” said Sidney Falken, chief branding officer, HanesBrands. “Although we can’t solve this chronic issue facing our country, we are committed to bringing a little comfort to those who need it most.”

The brand also announced that the National Sock Drive programme will expand beyond the holiday season to a year-long effort. In addition to conducting outreach events throughout the year, Hanes has introduced the ability for individuals to participate in the programme. Those interested can purchase socks, women’s underwear, men’s underwear, and bras that will be distributed in needed styles and sizes by The Salvation Army.

Among the organisations participating in the sock drive are Covenant House, Family Promise of Coastal Alabama and HOPE Services Hawaii. “We're so grateful that Hanes has again chosen our young people at Covenant House as the recipients of their amazing generosity through the brand’s National Sock Drive,” said Kevin Ryan, President and CEO of the New York-based national agency serving homeless and at-risk youth.

“The young people overcoming homelessness at Covenant House are good, brave, resilient, hard-working kids. What many of them have not had in their lives is someone who cares. With this drive, our friends at Hanes are delivering much-needed financial assistance to Covenant House by supplying practical clothing for our kids. Just as important, the brand is sending a message to our kids that they are not alone, that there are people who care. When our kids hear that message, there is nothing they cannot achieve.”

Family Promise of Coastal Alabama, located in Mobile, provides temporary shelter and related services and support to families as they work to achieve and sustain independence. “Families at FPCA work hard to make home a reality again,” said Diane J. McCaskey, Executive Director. “As they struggle to get back on their feet, many remain unable to afford a simple pair of socks. And while we know that socks can help keep people healthy and moving forward, our agency never has enough of them. That is why we are so grateful to be a recipient of the Hanes National Sock Drive.”

Hilo-based HOPE Services Hawaii offers housing-focused programmes and services to families and individuals experiencing homelessness, while supporting their success toward permanent housing and self-sufficiency. “We're excited to partner with Hanes and appreciate the brand’s commitment to helping us serve our homeless community,” said Kristen Alice, Director of community relations.

See the full list of local organisations distributing Hanes socks here

www.hanes.com