On Saturday, February 18, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms will host a sock drive benefitting United Way and PPL Foundation’s Be A Housing Hero initiative.
Fans are encouraged to bring new socks to the game in exchange for a raffle ticket and the chance to win great prizes and help their community at the same time. The Be A Housing Hero initiative benefits homeless and financially unstable families in the Lehigh Valley.
The housing crisis in the community has increased due to many factors, including the past two years’ health and economic crises. The Lehigh Valley’s most recent homeless reports depict a 36% increase in people experiencing homelessness in the region since 2020, including 50% more families with children and almost twice as many veterans. 122,000 families (or 44%) are also currently experiencing serious financial instability and are forced to make difficult decisions daily, such as whether to buy groceries or pay rent.
Be a Housing Hero with PPL Foundation and United Way was an added initiative to United Way’s annual fundraising campaign. PPL and United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley believe that a strong, resilient and united community can address the area’s housing crisis and invest in prevention and intervention solutions. The PPL Foundation has created Be A Housing Hero and has committed up to $500,000 this year through a matching program for all new or increased campaign contributions. The funds will go directly to United Way’s work in the community to aid neighbors and families experiencing housing insecurity.
Donated socks will provide both warmth and comfort to those facing homelessness and are a major need among homeless and homeless shelters. An often overlooked item, socks are vital to warmth and protection when facing freezing temperatures on the streets.
Fans should bring new, packaged socks to donate at Saturday’s game in order to get a raffle ticket per each pair of socks for the chance to win available prizes.
