From Socks to Service: St. Dominic Parish’s Annual “Socktober” Supports Saint John’s Hospice

What began as a simple effort to provide socks for vulnerable individuals receiving donated boots has grown into a beloved annual tradition at St. Dominic Parish in Northeast Philadelphia.

Now in its fourth year, the parish’s “Socktober” fundraiser has collected more than 12,000 pairs of new socks for Saint John’s Hospice’s annual Boot Up Philly event—taking place Saturday, October 24—which provides new boots, clothing, food, and other essentials to our neighbors in need. This year alone, the parish collected more than 2,500 pairs.

The tradition began in 2023 as St. Dominic prepared to celebrate its 175th anniversary. As a newly formed service committee explored ways to serve the community, members learned about Boot Up Philly and identified a need for socks to accompany the donated boots.

The parish saw an opportunity to help, and Socktober was born.

Since then, the initiative has grown into a community-wide effort, bringing together generosity from St. Dominic parishioners, St. Dominic Grade School, Father Judge High School, the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity, and Holy Family University.

Local students have played a particularly enthusiastic role, with classroom campaigns helping young people understand how even a small contribution can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

For St. Dominic, the annual drive reflects a larger commitment to serving neighbors beyond the parish community.

“St. Dominic Parish is a community that has its own struggles, but recognizes the blessings that are given when we serve communities in greater need than our own,” said Ramona Sharkey, organizer of the annual sock drive.

That spirit of service will be felt once again on October 24 when Saint John’s Hospice hosts Boot Up Philly in its own backyard.

For Saint John’s Hospice, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, that commitment reflects a mission that has guided its work for more than six decades: serving individuals experiencing homelessness with dignity, compassion, and respect. Through Boot Up Philly, that mission takes a tangible form, ensuring that neighbors receive not only essential winter clothing and supplies but also the care and kindness they deserve.

“For four years, St. Dominic Parish has been an unwavering supporter of Boot Up Philly, and we are deeply grateful for the generosity and compassion its parishioners and students continue to show,” said Barry Martin, program director of Saint John’s Hospice. “A new pair of socks might seem like a small thing, but for someone experiencing homelessness, it can provide much-needed comfort and a reminder that their community cares. That is what our mission is all about.”

Although this year’s Socktober collection has concluded, there are still ways to make a difference. Those interested in supporting Boot Up Philly can do so with a monetary donation at www.saintjohnshospice.org.