Hikers Give Back

By Kathleen Ganster

Socks are the most requested item from the homeless and unfortunately, new socks are one of the least donated items. And one thing that Rachel hikers know is how important good socks can be!

A few years ago, one of our volunteers came up with idea of collecting new and gently used socks during one of our hikes. We were overwhelmed at that first collection with over 300 pairs of socks being donated. Since that time, the RCTC and our hikers have donated over 1,200 pairs of socks to the homeless of Pittsburgh. That’s a lot of socks!

While we had to take a break during the pandemic in our hikes and sock collection efforts, we once again gathered socks during our annual summer full moon hike this past July. And once again, we collected nearly 300 pairs of socks.

The socks are now being distributed to the homeless living in Pittsburgh. A volunteer with our partner homeless ministry said that recipients are so grateful for the socks, especially with colder weather right around the corner.

The RCTC and our homeless ministry partner thank you for your sock donations!

Once again the RCTC is calling on the generosity of our hikers to bring new and very gently used socks to the 2022 Winter Hike on Sunday, February 6. As in the past, the socks will go towards the homeless. Thank you in advance for assisting us with this important project.