Roughly 5,000 students are considered homeless in Fresno County and about 1,470 of them attend a school in the Fresno Unified School District, according to the Fresno EOC Sanctuary Youth Shelter,  a self-referral emergency shelter between Bakersfield and Stockton.

In an effort to help some of those students, Maria Zamora, College of Social Sciences Linked (COSS Linked) coordinator and other colleagues are hosting an inaugural sock drive for the Fresno EOC Sanctuary Youth Shelter. Their goal is to ensure those affected by homelessness have a place to stay and keep warm during the cold months with an item most take for granted.

“Homeless youth have an immense need for socks because they are prone to being stolen or worn out,” said Zamora, “What we consider a standard of having socks to keep our toes warm might not be an option for others.”

Zamora added that as the winter approaches, the nights are longer with colder temperatures and socks are becoming the most needed, but least donated item.

COSS Linked’s goal is to collect 100 pairs of socks by the end of November. They’ve received around 24 pairs thus far.unnamed

If you are interested in donating socks, a drop-off box is located in the Social Science building outside room 108 and in the College of Social Sciences Advising office in McKee Fisk 207. New socks are preferred but the size, brand or color does not matter.

COSS Linked will raffle a gift basket to those who donate this month. Donors will earn one ticket for every 3 pairs of socks donated to the COSS Advising office from now until November 30th.

The Fresno Youth Sanctuary is a part of the Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC) Sanctuary and Youth Services organization with a mission to help homeless youth. This program provides shelter to ensure that homeless youth receive better living arrangements.