It's Time For Another 'Socktober' Campaign For Vernon Student

VERNON, CT — It's time for another "Socktober" for Vernon resident Tommy Glinski.

Since 2016, Glinski, now a seventh-grader at Vernon Center Middle School, has been collecting socks in the fall for local people who are homeless or in need. He has collected more than 1,500 pairs of socks and nearly $1,000 since 2016 to Vernon's Cornerstone Foundation.

Glinski reiterated this year what he first said about "Socktober." He was looking for a
way to help his community.

"I wanted to try to make a difference, to help people," he said. "And I learned that this really
simple gesture, providing new socks for people, was a good way to help."

Tommy Glinski's "Socktober" 2020. (Town of Vernon)

In addition to operating the local shelter, Cornerstone runs a clothing bank and a variety
of other programs to assist area residents.

"We went to Cornerstone to see what they needed," Glinsky said. "They said they were really low on socks."

Tommy then asked his teachers at Northeast School, then at center Road School and now at VCMs along with Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne for help spreading the word.

"When Tommy asked for some help, I was glad to do what I could," Champagne said. "It’s great to see young people take an interest in helping their community, especially our residents who need a hand. Tommy's interest in helping others is a great example of the kind of community spirit we see in Vernon on a regular basis. And it illustrates what a great community Vernon is."

Tommy Glinski during "Socktober" 2017. (Chris Dehnel/Patch)

Cornerstone director Bryan Flint said socks are one of the most important donations.

"We have shirts and pants and jackets and shoes. If you get those used, it really doesn’t matter," Flint said. "But socks and underwear are a different matter. Quite reasonably, no one wants used socks or underwear. For clothing that is the closest to your body, we try to provide folks with new socks and underwear."

All kinds of socks are needed – for men, women and children. Donations can be dropped off in collection boxes that have been placed at the Vernon Police Department, Vernon Town
Hall, Rockville High School, Skinner Road School, Maple Street School and Vernon Center Middle School.

The Socktober campaign runs through Nov. 20.