Phi Theta Kappa honor society is collecting gently-used socks and shoes to donate to members of the homeless community in Clark County and the greater Portland metro area.
The decision to collect socks and shoes came after Phi Theta Kappa Vice President of Service Holly Varner personally spoke with over 60 homeless individuals to find out their self-identified needs. She found that most homeless and poverty-stricken individuals are forced to walk long distances to acquire necessities like food, clothing, shelter and employment opportunities.
“It is an amazing feeling to make a difference in the lives of others,” Varner said. “To have reached out personally and provide what they are asking for makes me feel this is very relevant and helpful.”
Donation bins are located in Gaiser Hall near the bookstore and in PUB near Student Life. There are also collection bins distributed throughout the community, such as at the Play It Again Sports Vancouver location, the When the Shoe Fits’ Fishers Landing location and the Kaiser Permanente Clinics located in Orchards, Cascade Park, Salmon Creek and Longview.
Phi Theta Kappa’s goal is to collect at least 200 pairs of shoes and 400 pairs of socks to donate to the Portland Rescue Mission and the Clark County Council for the Homeless to be handed out over the summer.
The honor society hopes to make this an annual event. The drive will conclude on June 3.
