The Savannah Chapter of the UGA Alumni Association is partnering with Oliver Maner, LLP, to gather donations of socks to support the needs of Parker's House at Union Mission.
Socks are consistently one of the most requested items at shelters and by those experiencing homelessness. So, in the spirit of the celebrated Georgia vs. Georgia Tech rivalry, the Savannah chapter is collecting pairs of socks to benefit those in need using the phrase “Sock it to Tech!”
“Considering recent health crises and hardships—financial and otherwise—the homeless and low-income individuals in our community are among the most vulnerable. We just felt like the spotlight being shone on our annual rivalry with the Yellow Jackets could be used to do some good in the community. We hope that while we ‘sock it’ to Tech, we’ll also be able to ‘sock it’ to homelessness in the process,” said Christopher Sweat, a Savannah Chapter of the UGA Alumni Association board member*.
“Let’s be honest, it’s not that hard to sock it to Tech, but it’s always gratifying to see the Dawgs on top," said Paul H. Threlkeld, a Partner of Oliver Maner and a graduate of the University of Georgia and the University of Georgia School of Law. "The only thing easier and more gratifying than socking it to Tech is participating in the “sock it” drive and filling a real need this Holiday Season. You don’t have to be a football fan to help run up the score on this fantastic cause. Merry Christmas (and Go Dawgs!).”
“What a great way to 'Sock it to Tech' by donating socks to the homeless in our community. Union Mission, through Parker’s House and its many other programs, plays a vital role in helping the homeless get back on their feet and into safe and stable housing,” said Michael Traynor, President and CEO of Union Mission and a graduate of the University of Georgia. “We are thankful to Oliver Maner, LLP and the Savannah Chapter of the UGA Alumni Association for making this drive possible.”
Union Mission provides basic human needs for the residents, including food, clothing, transportation, access to mental healthcare, employment support and more. The goal of this program is to help residents maintain stable housing and become independent members of the community.
Savannah-Chatham County has the second-highest rate of homelessness in Georgia. According to the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless 2019 HUD PIT Survey, on any given night, more than 180 women in Chatham County are experiencing homelessness.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: All week, bring a new, clean pair of unworn socks (or 10 or 100) to the donation box in the lobby of Oliver Maner, LLP, at 218 W. State St., in downtown Savannah. (The collection box is open during regular business hours.)
Then, on Saturday, Nov. 26., put on your spirited red and black, gather your sock collection and head to the Savannah chapter’s game-watching party at Starland Yard to watch the Bulldogs “Sock it to Tech!” Game time is Noon.
The game-watching event is free, fun and attended by passionate graduates and fans of the University of Georgia. Starland Yard is at 2411 Desoto Ave. Visit
starlandyard.com to see specials and food truck availability. Check in and drop off socks and be entered to win a football signed by Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart!
Learn more about Parker's House and its mission at unionmission.org/parkershouse
*Christopher Sweat is also the Creative/Content Director for Connect Savannah.
