Lehigh Valley Phantoms and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley with support from PPL Foundation donate over 3,500 pairs of socks to local shelters
On Saturday, February 18, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) held “Be a Housing Hero” Night, presented by PPL Foundation, at the Lehigh Valley Phantoms game. All fans in attendance were encouraged to bring a new pair of socks to support local shelters in need. The sock drive was part of UWGLV and PPL Foundation’s Be a Housing Hero initiative that benefits families experiencing financial insecurity in the Lehigh Valley.
The COVID-19 pandemic and recent economic disruptions exacerbated the current housing crisis devastating our community forcing families to make difficult decisions between buying groceries or paying rent. PPL Foundation and UWGLV believe that a strong, resilient and UNITED community can address the area’s housing crisis and invest in prevention and intervention solutions.
Participants were entered in a raffle drawing for prizes including an overnight stay at the Americus Hotel in Allentown, a Martin Guitar and a $100 gift card to Tacos Y Tequila restaurant. Accompanying the grand prize was a $1,000 PPL Foundation donation to the charity of the winner’s choice.
United Way Night at the Phantoms proved to be a great success–raising over $3,000 and collecting 3,577 socks from nearly 300 donors.
Socks are a major need among local shelters and are vital for protection during the colder months. The donations will be distributed to New Bethany Ministries in Bethlehem, Safe Harbor Easton and other organizations in the area.
Photo credit: Marco Calderon Photography
