Vernon Voters Can Support Pet Food, Sock Charities On Election Day

VERNON, CT — Vernon residents can support the new Vernon Pet Pantry and the traditional fall Socktober clothing drive when they go to vote in the 2024 election.

Collection boxes for both programs will be at each voting location on Election Day. They will be outside the rooms where people actually cast their ballots, town officials said. Donations are not a requirement to vote, town officials said.

The Hockanum Valley Community Council has partnered with a group of residents spearheaded by Registrar of Voters and animal welfare activist Lisa Moody. The pet pantry's goal is to ease the pressure on people who may be experiencing hardship, to ensure they can properly care for their pets, and to reduce the possibility that pets will be abandoned, Moody said.

Canned, packages and dry dog and cat food is especially welcome.

The annual Socktober appeal was started several years ago by Tommy Glinski, who is now a student at Rockville High School. He has collected thousands of pairs of new socks for the Cornerstone Foundation shelter and clothing bank.

New socks and underwear collected will go to the clothing bank.

Second-hand shirts, pants, jackets and other garments in wearable condition are also welcome.