Harford County’s annual SOCKtober event that occurs throughout the month of October, collected more than 3,800 pairs of socks, mittens, gloves, scarves and hats.

The total collection this year includes 1,200 more items than last year, according to a news release from Harford County government. Donations were mostly given by local residents and were supplemented by a large donation from clothing company Bombas, Inc., known mainly for its colorful socks.

SOCKtober is organized by the Harford County Department of Housing and Community Services. The items collected during the monthlong event are distributed to local nonprofits that serve families, veterans and people that are at risk for or are experiencing homelessness.

“Our citizens’ compassion for those in need is reflected in their outstanding generosity,” County Executive Bob Cassilly said in the news release. “I would like to thank our community partners in these collection drives and all those who contributed to brighten the holidays for everyone in Harford County.”

Organizations throughout the county, such as Citizen’s Care Rehabilitation Center in Havre de Grace and Guttman Holdings in Bel Air, hosted collection boxes at their locations. Senior center groups throughout the county also contributed hand-crocheted and knitted pieces.

Harford County also sponsored its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive from Nov. 1 to 21, collecting 2,820 pounds of non-perishable food items and other household necessities such as diapers and toiletries. This year’s collection netted a 278% increase from 2024, according to the county.

The items collected at the Thanksgiving Food Drive will be given to local families through the Harford Community Action Agency’s food pantry in Edgewood.

Additional information for those in need can be located through the Harford County Housing and Community Services Resource Guide at harfordcountymd.gov/414/Resource.

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