“It’s something that many people don’t think about, but underwear and socks are the two most requested, but least donated, items at thrift stores and agencies serving those in need,,” said DonElla Payne of Integrated Community Solutions and President of the Brown County Homeless and Housing Coalition, which is coordinating the effort. “This effort drive encourages community members to buy a new pair of socks or underwear for themselves, and then buy a spare in their size and donate it to the cause at one of the collection sites. We are in need of items for children, teens, adults and seniors.” The collected items will be distributed free of charge to those in need by the Brown County Homeless and Housing Coalition organizations. 

New items needed in all sizes include:

• Socks
• Boxers
• Briefs
• Bras
• Long Underwear

To draw attention to the need for donations and encourage area residents to get into the spirit of the effort, we are urging people to wear their “silly socks” on Tuesday, September 18. “Many of us have at least one pair of crazy socks around the house. So, when we wear the socks on the designated day and people comment on them, it’s an opportunity to talk about the need for donations of new socks and new underwear,” said Payne.

For more information on “A Pair & A Spare:  Brown County’s Undercover Challenge,” including the location of donation boxes, please visit www.undercoverchallenge.com.