Socking it to Help Those Braving the Elements
The Omaha West Rotary Community Service Committee members have been a very valuable asset to The Salvation Army’s Winter Night Watch program. Last season, they assisted in delivering food and warm clothing to those in need. This year, the organization increased its donations, especially in the area of one much-needed item.
In the fall and winter months, clean, warm socks can prevent cold feet and frostbite. Many who are homeless or near-homeless walk miles in the cold and the damp weather, resulting in blisters, frostbite and other health issues. This past summer, the Omaha West Rotary Community Service Committee asked for a $3,000 grant from the Rotary Foundation in order to purchase socks to be donated to The Salvation Army’s Winter Night Watch program. Dick Lerner, a member of Omaha West Rotary and co-owner of Bel Air Fashions, was a driving force behind the donation. After conversing with Salvation Army Western Divisional Commander Maj. Scott Shelbourn (also an Omaha West Rotary member), Lerner contacted people he knew in the fashion industry to acquire quality, warm socks while making the most impact with the donation.
Kenneth Gordon of the Louisiana-based Gordon of New Orleans men’s apparel store spoke with Lerner, who explained the parameters of the grant. Gordon then supplied the Winter Night Watch Program in Omaha with approximately 4,000 pairs of socks, valued at more than $56,000.
In an interview noting the need for warm clothing items to be given to this program, Maria Moreno, divisional emergency disaster services director, said more than 2,100 pairs of socks were distributed in December 2023. Omaha West Rotary led the way among the generous donors who ensured that all those socks were available to those in need.
Omaha West Rotary also collected other warm clothing items — such as coats, sweatshirts, pants, and gloves — for the Winter Night Watch program, as well as another monetary donation of more than $400.
Rotary members continue to serve on the trucks throughout the current Winter Night Watch season, which ends on March 1.
There are many ways people can help supply warm-weather items to this project. Gently used coats or sweatshirts are always appreciated, and other organizations have found creative ways to donate. Hope Presbyterian Church, which has partnered with The Salvation Army’s Winter Night Watch program for nearly 30 years, hosts an annual Sock Sunday at which church members toss their donations at the minister during the service.
The Salvation Army thanks Omaha West Rotary and all metro-area donors for their generous support of Winter Night Watch.