Record Donations Collected For Holiday Food Drive, SOCKtober

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Residents collected a record-setting amount of winter gear and food during two community donation drives.

Harford’s annual “SOCKtober” event, held throughout October, collected more than 3,800 pairs of warm socks, mittens, gloves, scarves and hats, an increase of 1,200 items from 2024. Harford senior center groups contributed hand-crocheted and knitted items to the drive, organizers noted. SOCKtober donations of needed winter weather items were distributed to local nonprofits serving families, veterans and individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Harford County sponsored its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive from Nov. 1 – 21 and collected 2,820 pounds of non-perishable food items and other necessities including diapers and toiletries, a 278% increase from 2024. These items will benefit local families through the Harford Community Action Agency’s food pantry in Edgewood.

“Our citizens’ compassion for those in need is reflected in their outstanding generosity,” Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly said. “I would like to thank our community partners in these collection drives and all those who contributed to brighten the holidays for everyone in Harford County.”

Additional resources for those in need can be found through the Harford County Housing and Community Services Resource Guide at https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/414/Resource.