Most of us take many things for granted that are potentially matters of life and death for the less fortunate members of our Harford County community.
The county's SOCKtober donation drive, which began last weekend, is a reminder of how good most of us have it.
Socks, mittens and hats are often the most needed and requested items at homeless shelters, yet they often are among the least donated, according to Harford County government, which has launched SOCKtober to encourage donations of necessary winter apparel to aid the homeless residents of the county. Harford County Public Library and We Cancerve Movement Inc., the charity started by 11-year-old Abingdon resident Grace Callwood, are partnering in the donation drive.
During SOCKtober, donations of new socks, hats, mittens and gloves of all sizes for local citizens in need will be welcome.
SOCKtober is timed in October to help raise awareness about homelessness in Harford County before the winter months set in.
As we said at the outset, how often, when the weather begins to turn cool in the fall, do we just reach into the back of a drawer or closet and pull out all the socks, mittens and woolen hats we think we'll need for the approaching winter?
Or, if something doesn't fit or is worn out, well, we just pitch it and either fire up the computer or head out to Walmart or Target or Dick's or wherever to buy replacements. Often, we might even just buy new stuff because we think what we have is out of style.
Homeless people aren't able to simply open a drawer or head to the store for winter's essentials. Many will have to gut out the cold the best they can, or if they're lucky, a shelter or community service program might provide a worn coat or flannel shirt, maybe a beat-up hat.
Most places sell warm socks and hats reasonably cheaply, serviceable gloves, too. If you're thinking of replacing yours over the remainder of the month, maybe you'll also consider buying in a little more bulk.
Items donated during SOCKtober will be distributed to individuals served by the Harford County Department of Housing and Community Development, Harford Community Action Agency, local shelters and veterans organizations.
Collection boxes will be in Harford County government buildings, libraries and participating businesses throughout October. For a list of available donation locations, visit www.harfordcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7624.
Let's all do our part to help make the approaching cold weather more bearable for those in our community who can't just bundle up as they choose.