SACO — The Saco Police Department collected and distributed more than 1,000 pairs of socks for area seniors in its annual Socks for Seniors drive.
This was a record amount for the sock drive, which began in 2015 and last year collected about 500 pairs of socks.
The police department decided to raise the stakes this year and set a goal of 1,000 pairs of socks, and kept the community engaged with frequent posts on social media.
The department was able to reach its goal with the help of local businesses and organizations, city departments, schools and many citizens.
Police department staff delivered the socks on Dec. 21 to the Maine Veteran’s Home in Scarborough, St. Andre Health Care in Biddeford, and several locations in Saco, including the Arthur B. Huot House, the Paul Hazelton House, Evergreen Manor and Lord Pepperrell Apartments.
Police department Administrative Secretary Lori Angis started the annual drive after reading an article about a sock drive in another community. Angis has organized the collection and deliveries for the past four years.
The annual sock drive has become an important police department tradition, said Angis in a written statement.
“Not only do the seniors really appreciate the donations, our officers and city staff also enjoy spreading holiday cheer,” Angis said.. We see this event as a chance for people to show support for the older residents in our community, and it’s about far more than just socks. The seniors light up with a big smile when they see our officers coming. These donations remind the seniors that there are friendly people in Saco who care about them.”
The sock drive was registered with the national nonprofit Socks for Seniors, a network of sock drives across the country.
Saco’s sock drive inspired Old Orchard Beach Human Resources Manager Fran Beaulieu to start a similar one in Old Orchard Beach.
This year, the Old Orchard Beach sock drive collected 101 pairs of socks, which were distributed to residents The Pines, a local retirement community.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 780-9015 or email at [email protected].
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