Save Mart gives 12,000 pairs of socks to Modesto Gospel Mission

As part of the international movement dubbed Giving Tuesday, Save Mart Supermarkets delivered 12,000 pairs of socks to the Modesto Gospel Mission. The gift was part of a larger donation by Save Mart and sister stores Lucky and FoodMaxx of an additional 48,000 pairs of socks to charities in Richmond, Milpitas, Fresno and Reno.

“It will mean we’ll be able to pass out socks to all our clients, which is a huge thing, especially to the guys in line for our overnight shelter,” Kevin Carroll, Gospel Mission executive director and CEO, said of the donation, which was delivered during the chilly 8 a.m. hour. “Save Mart has been a blessing to a lot of nonprofits in this county.”

Socks also will be given away at the mission’s “Happy Birthday, Jesus” party on Dec. 23, as will hats and scarves, Carroll said. The mission already distributed jackets, coats and other outerwear at its “Great Thanksgiving Banquet and Bundle Up.”

The birthday party for Jesus is the mission’s annual Christmas dinner and gift distribution and will be held Dec. 23 at noon. Volunteers are needed to assist with setup and cleanup, serve dinner and pass out gifts to homeless individuals and families. Volunteer shifts are available, and families are welcome.

Volunteers also may sort and prepare gifts for distribution Dec. 22 at 9 a.m. Before volunteering for the first time, all interested individuals must attend the orientation and tour Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m.

Donations of food for the holiday dinner, warm clothing in all sizes, gloves, scarves, etc., for men, women and children, and toys for all ages also are needed.

“We prefer unwrapped gifts because we try to give kids the opportunity to select what their gift is,” Carroll said. “Any price point is fine, though we try to stay away from higher-priced items like electronic toys.”

Donations can be dropped off during the mission’s office hours, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The mission is at 1400 Yosemite Blvd.

For more information, call Katie Smith at 209-225-2952, email volunteer@homelessmission.org or visit modestogospelmission.org.

This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 12:28 PM with the headline "Save Mart gives 12,000 pairs of socks to Modesto Gospel Mission."