EVERETT — Part celebration, part charity, “Socktoberfest” was launched a year ago to offer a warm welcome and a hot meal to the area’s homeless.
At least 200 people showed up, and went away with one basic need fulfilled — new socks.
As chilly weather sets in, organizers will again welcome their neighbors from the streets at the second Socktoberfest, scheduled for 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday at Trinity Lutheran College, 2802 Wetmore Ave.
“It’s one tiny dent in this huge issue,” said Debbie Paget, who helps put on the party. Paget has met homeless people through her work at the Everett Public Library. “We’re just a group of humble people who want to try and do a little something,” she said.
The grassroots effort is now supported by organizations including the Rotary Club of Everett, the Soroptimist International Club of Everett and the Everett Municipal Employees Union AFSCME Local 113.
Like last year, new socks have been collected at Everett churches and businesses, including Trinity Lutheran Church, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Central Lutheran Church, Cafe Zippy and Wicked Cellars Wine Shop. Root beer is being donated by the Scuttlebutt Brewing Company. Silvana Meats is providing bratwurst at a discount, Paget said.
The Rotary Club of Everett gave the sock-shopping fund a boost with a $500 gift, and also donated 210 pairs of socks, Rotary member Stephen Schell said.
“It started with a few people wanting to put their faith into action,” said the Rev. Erik Samuelson, campus pastor at Trinity Lutheran College.
“We had a modest expectation when we planned this whole thing last year. People caught word of it and really came out of the woodwork,” said Sean Bendickson, a worship leader and musician at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. He’ll be among the musical performers at Socktoberfest.
Bendickson is part of the Emmaus Community, a lay group devoted to worship, discipleship, community and mission.
“It’s not just a sock drive or a handout, but a social event,” Bendickson said.
Julie Muhlstein: 425-339-3460; muhlstein@heraldnet.com.
Socktoberfest
Trinity Lutheran College will host “Socktoberfest” 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday at 2802 Wetmore Ave., Everett. Hundreds of pairs of new adult socks will be given to homeless and low-income people. Everett’s homeless community is invited to the public event for bratwurst and root beer, live music, and to receive socks. Sock donations may be dropped at the college. For other ways to help: http://emmaus community.posterous.com.
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