MUMC organizing community-wide sock drive
Manchester United Methodist Church sock drive box. Photo courtesy of Dana Creighton.
submitted by Dana Creighton, sock drive organizer
Manchester United Methodist Church (MUMC), located at 501 Ann Arbor St is coordinating a community-wide sock drive to benefit individuals and families in need. MUMC, along with other Manchester churches, local businesses, and local organizations will be collecting unused pairs of socks (for all ages and genders) in drop-boxes between October 1, 2026 and October 20, 2026.
A pair of socks is something that a lot of people may take for granted. Opening our dresser drawers, many of us are presented with pairs of socks in wide varieties of styles and colors. Some of us may not consider style or color at all as we throw on a pair while in a hurry to leave our houses. For most of us, socks may not be something we actively think about until they become wet or cold or otherwise uncomfortable, at which time we may be blessed enough to be able to remove them, throw them in a laundry hamper, and replace them with a warm, dry pair. For many people, however, pairs of clean, dry socks are luxuries that can be difficult to come by. Individuals in our communities that are unhoused, living in transitional housing, or financially vulnerable often lack access to warm, clean socks.
According to County Health Rankings, 16.4% of those living in Washtenaw County lived with severe housing problems and 13.9% of children in Washtenaw County lived at or below federal poverty levels; a number that was up from 10.2% in 2024. Nationally, as well as locally, clean socks remain the single most requested item in shelters serving unhoused and marginalized individuals. The National Coalition for the Homeless specifically lists socks as among the most needed items in their clothing care boxes. In addition to warmth and comfort, socks provide people with vital health benefits. Those who are unhoused as well as those without access to motorized transportation are often required to walk long distances to access the goods and services they need.
Clean, well-fitting socks reduce friction between the feet and shoes, decreasing the chances of blisters and foot sores. By absorbing sweat and moisture, socks can reduce prolonged exposure to moisture, dirt, and bacteria that contribute to foot problems like sores, abscesses, and fungal or bacterial infections. Socks provide insulation that helps regulate body temperature during cold weather and can help reduce the risk of cold-related foot injuries. People experiencing homelessness may have limited access to laundry facilities, showers, medical care, or replacement clothing, making new socks particularly valuable. Beyond physical health, having clean, comfortable clothing can contribute to personal well-being and dignity.
To address this need in our community, Manchester United Methodist Church is coordinating a community-wide sock drive to benefit individuals and families in need. Drop-boxes will be available at Manchester United Methodist Church, Millie’s Coffee House, Manchester District Library, Over the Edge Sports Bar and Grill, The Village Tap, and Manchester Brewery.
Once collected, socks will be distributed in November to the Community Resource Center, House by the Side of the Road, and the Ann Arbor Veterans Hospital. Any questions about the sock drive may be directed to Manchester United Methodist Church during our office hours, Tuesday-Thursday 10am-2pm.
Donna Clark (left) and Dana Creighton (on the right) creating the sock ollection boxes for the sock drive. Photo courtesy of Jody Sharrow.
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