Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation has announced its annual SOCKTOBER drive during the month of October. SOCKTOBER is a community-wide effort to collect warm socks for individuals and families in need. This year, the need is greater than ever, as rising costs and increased homelessness have left many without this basic necessity.

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, many members of our community face the harsh reality of winter without the warmth and comfort of proper footwear. Socks are often overlooked but are essential for staying warm and healthy during the colder months. Through SOCKTOBER, NCCF and its partners seek to meet this need and make a meaningful difference.

Throughout October, NCCF, together with Agricultural Logistics, Cattaraugus County Bank (Dunkirk and South Dayton locations), Chautauqua Health and Fitness Center, James Prendergast Library, and Lake Shore Savings Bank (Dunkirk, Fredonia, and Westfield branches), will be accepting sock donations. In addition to these official drop-off points, classrooms, clubs, businesses, and congregations across the county are also hosting their own SOCKTOBER collections. New socks of all sizes and types, from cozy winter socks to athletic and everyday wear, are encouraged to help meet the diverse needs of those we aim to assist.

SOCKTOBER partners believe everyone deserves the dignity of warm, dry feet. This annual drive offers the community an opportunity to come together and provide comfort during the most challenging months of the year.

Resident can help by

— Donating New Socks — Drop off socks at designated collection sites throughout Chautauqua County. Look for SOCKTOBER bins at participating businesses and organizations.

— Host a Sock Drive — Encourage your workplace, school, book club, or organization to run a collection and add to the impact.

— Make a Financial Contribution — Prefer to give monetarily? All funds will be used to purchase additional socks for distribution. Checks can be made out to NCCF (note SCOKTOBER on the memo line) and mailed or dropped off to 212 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, NY 14048.

— Spread the Word: Share SOCKTOBER on social media using the hashtag #SOCKTOBER and encourage friends and family to join in.

In 2024, thousands of socks were distributed through local partners, including Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, the Homeless Coalition, Meals on Wheels, Jamestown YWCA, Boys and Girls Club, St. Gianna Molla, St. Susan’s Center, and others.

For more information, contact Eileen Ardillo at 716-366-4892 or eardillo@nccfoundation.org.

Since its incorporation in 1986, the NCCF has invested nearly $23 million in northern Chautauqua County through strategic grantmaking, targeted scholarships, and leadership and community collaborations. The NCCF is a tax-exempt charitable organization inherently committed to enhancing the northern Chautauqua community and encouraging local philanthropy. As a nationally accredited community foundation, the NCCF has proven compliance with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, demonstrating integrity, equity, accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in meeting the needs of its community. For more information on the NCCF, visit www.nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.