Author: Donna Ardizzoni

Attached is a press release summarizing the strong support given the April “Socks and Undies” community drive conducted by the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church. We thank you for the support YOU gave by helping publicize this successful event.

From: Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church

10 Church Street, Gloucester MA 01930

Telephone: (978) 283-3410; Email: info@GloucesterUU.org

Date: April 30, 2021

MEDIA RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UU CHURCH’S ‘SOCKS AND UNDERWEAR’ DRIVE

NETS AN OUTPOUIRING OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT

A drive by the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church to provide new socks and underwear to Cape Ann families and individuals far exceeded expectations, collecting 424 pairs of socks and 345 pieces of underwear and more than $550 in donations to buy additional undergarments.

The beneficiaries of the April campaign are children who attend Pathways for Children preschool or after-school programs, and adults who are guests at the Grace Center, a day shelter and counseling program that the downtown Gloucester church hosts.

“We had socks with kittens, socks with camouflage, athletic socks, fuzzy socks and baby socks,” Patricia Cronin, a drive volunteer, said, “I won’t mention unmentionables other than to briefly say that boxers and hipsters ruled the day.”

The church took on the challenge to meet a reality, cited by Pathways and Grace Center, that underwear and socks are often forgotten in clothing gifts to people in need.  “It must be an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ thing,” Jerry Ackerman, another volunteer, said. “The result is that while outer clothing may be new, what’s underneath may be literally on its last legs.”

“We were all gratified and thrilled by this outpouring of care,” Rev. Janet Parsons, the church’s minister, said.

Significant contributors included the “We’re All In This Together” Cape Ann movement created to build community spirit during the coronavirus pandemic, and two local businesses, Nelson’s of Gloucester and The John Tarr Store in Rockport. The two shops acted as collection points for donors and offered discounts on purchases made for the drive. Dozens and dozens more children’s socks also were given by Carol Lee’s Cottage, on Bearskin Neck in Rockport.

Cash donations came from as far as Lowell, Lexington, Bedford, Cambridge and Worcester, some apparently made in response to publicity in the Boston Globe as well as Cape Ann’s 1623 Studios, the Good Morning Gloucester blog, and print media.

“Also, a resident of the Gloucester ARC group home on Washington Street donated,” Holly Tanguay, co-president of the Gloucester UU Church board of directors, said.

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