Agoura Hill Rock Show Will Help Collect Socks for Homeless

Photo: The Hills of Malibu courtesy of The Hills of Malibu Facebook page

Submitted by Colby’s Army

The Hills of Malibu, a funky country/rock/blues band fronted by Gary Dayton Hill and The Sage, have announced that their December 13 concert at The Lab Brewing Company (Agoura Hills Town Center, 30105 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (818) 735-0091) will also serve as a drop off site for a Holiday Hoopla Sock Drive for the Homeless.

The sock drive is part of Operation Backpack, a nationwide outreach program from the 501(c)3 nonprofit Colby’s Army that gives backpacks stocked with street supplies to men, women and families that are homeless. Backpacks, socks, washcloths, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bandannas, reusable water bottles, sun screen, lip balm, band aids, and other supplies are all needed. Tax deductible financial gifts are also appreciated, and will be used to purchase needed items to help the homeless.

“Sometimes all a person who is homeless needs to get back on his or her feet is a little love,” said Lisa Wysocky, executive director of Colby’s Army. “The socks and backpacks are much more than supplies, they represent encouragement, trust, and hope. Often, people who have received a backpack are more open to receiving other services that help them get off the street and back into productive society.”

The concert also serves as The Lab’s 2nd Annual Acoustic Holiday concert, and the second time The Hills of Malibu have provided music for the event. Former Capitol Records recording artist Gary Dayton Hill is an outlaw musician, mountain man, singer/songwriter, actor, and guitar player. The Sage is an accomplished singer/songwriter in her own right.

In the past, both had brief bouts of homelessness, and know how much the gift of toiletries can mean. “Just being able to wash your hair, brush your teeth, or put on clean socks makes you feel so much better,” The Sage says. “And if you feel better, you are more likely to do more to help yourself, or let others help you get into a better place in your life.”

Many individuals and families are a single illness or lost paycheck away from homelessness, and up to one fourth of people who are homeless are veterans who served our country. Both Gary, a US Army veteran, and The Sage are particularly concerned about veterans, as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and lack of family are other major causes of homelessness.

The Hills of Malibu will distribute all of the donated items around the holidays, and all donations are tax deductible according to applicable laws. Much needed financial gifts can be given online at http://colbysarmy.org/get-involved/donate.html. The Hills of Malibu and Colby’s Army sincerely thank you for your generosity during this special time of year.