WALTHAM, Mass.–RTN Federal Credit Union collected and donated 142 pairs of socks through participation in Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program (BHCHP)’s 2017 Sox for Socks Drive. RTN is one of more than 100 businesses, faith groups, schools, colleges, and individuals who have participated and collected new white cotton socks so far this year, including the largest sock drive sponsor, the Boston Red Sox.
Access to shoes and socks is often limited for the homeless men and women living in shelters and on the streets. Rain-soaked feet, ill-fitting shoes, constant standing and diseases like diabetes take their toll on the feet of homeless people. Every day, BHCHP's nurses and physicians treat a range of foot ailments - from trench foot to skin infections, from frostbite to nail diseases. The best way to prevent such conditions is to keep feet clean and dry.
Socks were collected at RTN branches in Amesbury, Brookline, Danvers, Dorchester, Lawrence, Marlborough, Tewksbury, and Worcester. As one of RTN’s select employee groups (SEGs), BHCHP’s employees enjoy the benefit of RTN as their Credit Union.
At right, BHCHP's Catherine Minehan shows the 142 pairs of socks collected by RTN members and staff. The socks will help prevent the infection and frostbite in people living in shelters and on the streets.