Mary Ann Schwab of the Sunnyside neighborhood sent an email to City Council last month, suggesting we ask City employees working in downtown City buildings to donate socks to help people living outside.  Sara Hussein on my staff enthusiastically accepted the assignment to set up the program, and placed barrels (loaned by KGW) in City Hall, the Portland Building, and the Development Services Building at 1900 SW 4th Avenue. 

In just two weeks, City employees and visitors gave 563 pairs of new and nearly-new socks to help people served by Transition Projects, Inc.  Two kids' coats, a hat, and a scarf were also donated.

Thank you to Mary Ann, Sara, KGW, Transition Projects Inc., and everyone who donated.

OK, so maybe buying an extra package of socks in the after-Thanksgiving sales doesn't make a person a "superhero".  Having warm dry feet sure makes a difference in the weather we had the past week, though, and I am glad to know that so many City employees truly care about our fellow citizens living outside.