LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio — As we move closer into winter, a Cuyahoga County non-profit that provides items for the homeless is expanding its services into Lorain County.

What You Need To Know

  • In 2014, Community West Foundation started the SocksPLUS initiative

  • Socks are the No. 1 requested item by the homeless

  • Donations needed include new socks, new underwear, toiletries, winter gloves, hats, backpacks, sleeping bags and tents (which must be folded tightly for donation)

The Community West Foundation has expanded its SocksPlus initiative into the area. 

“It’s a great time to do this because the need is going up,” said Marty Uhle, President & CEO at the Community West Foundation.

Uhle said his organization started SocksPlus in 2014 after learning that socks are the most requested item at homeless shelters.

“Imagine being outside right now, and these folks that are out there with wet clothes without shelter need these goods to stay alive,” said Uhle.

In its first couple of weeks, SocksPLUS has been a success and people like Leah McDermott, the manager of a thrift store that collects items for the nonprofit, hopes the program will continue and move on to other counties in Ohio.

“Just want to make sure that everyone stays healthy and as warm as possible, and anyway we can do that makes us feel really happy,” she said. ​

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