Greater Newark Holiday Fund Hosts #GivingTuesday Online Sock Drive to Help 2,000 Homeless This Winter

#GIVINGTUESDAY ONLINE SOCK DRIVE ANNOUNCED

Launching on November 29 or otherwise known as #GivingTuesday, the Greater Newark Holiday Fund is raising funds to buy thermal socks for 2,000 people living without housing in the State of New Jersey. To help these individuals, the Greater Newark Holiday Fund is hosting a #GivingTuesday Online Sock Drive. Everyone is invited to paricipate at http://2016.holidayfund.org/givingtuesday

SOCKS ARE #1 REQUESTED ITEM BY HOMELESS

“Essex County has the largest number of homeless people in New Jersey,” says John Nietzel, President of the Greater Newark Holiday Fund (GNHF), a 501c3 nonprofit charity. “At the end of last year, there were almost 1,800 homeless individuals just in Essex county alone. And socks are the #1 requested item of clothing by the homeless.”

19.9 percent of the entire homeless population for the state of New Jersey are located in Essex County. A recent report indicated that New Jersey’s unsheltered and homeless population had risen this year by 48 percent.

GOAL TO HELP 2,000 CHILDREN AND ADULTS

On Tuesday, GNHF will join the global giving effort of #GivingTuesday held on the first Tuesday after #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday. According to Nietzel, GNHF hopes New Jersey residents will donate enough funds to supply 2,000 homeless children and adults a new pair of socks for the winter.

Thick socks are necessary to keep individuals protected from frostbite and hypothermia as well as help prevent a variety of foot-related diseases commonly encountered by homeless individuals. Used socks cannot be donated and so new socks are a high-demand item.

HOW TO DONATE

“So many people want to be generous, but they just don’t know where to donate. Our #GivingTuesday Sock Drive is an easy way for people to help meet the tangible needs of those in their own community,” said Nietzel. “With just $4, you can make a difference where it counts.”

GNHF can accept corporate or individual donations and each donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Donations can be made online at http://2016.holidayfund.org/givingtuesday or by texting the word “GIVE” to 973-333-4150.

About The Greater Newark Holiday Foundation
The Greater Newark Holiday Foundation was founded 79 years ago in 1937 as a trustworthy charity by a group of passionate businessmen who set out to aid the local youth. Today the nonprofit has expanded to aid the elderly, improve the health of the community, prevent violence and substance abuse, as well as help the local youth. The Greater Newark Holiday Foundation is also proud to be partnered with 11 charities across 6 counties including social service organizations like the Catholic Charities, FamilyConnections, Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest NJ, Salvation Army, and Urban League of Essex County. Through partnerships with 11 agencies, one donation to Greater Newark Holiday Fund can touch multiple causes. To learn more or donate, visit 2016.holidayfund.org.