Minnesota State Mankato Mavs in Action Student Organization Completes Record-Setting 'Socktober' for Community Organizations
More than 5,000 new items donated
Mankato, Minn. – Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Mavs in Action registered student organization and Office of Community Engagement collected more than 5,000 pairs of new socks and underwear during the month of October from University employees and students that will be donated to five community organizations.
The 5,088 total items collected were the most ever in the five years that the Mavs in Action have organized the “Socktober” drive on campus and were 22 percent higher than last year’s total. Sixteen MSU teams representing University divisions, departments and registered student organizations participated in the event throughout October.
All collected items are brand new and in their original packaging in recognition of the dignity of receiving such care items. No items are donated to thrift stores. Local organizations with expressed needs that are scheduled to receive portions of the donation include:
- CADA (Committee Against Domestic Abuse)
- Partners for Housing
- Salvation Army Day Shelter
- Connections Shelter
- MY Place
- Old Main Village residents
MEDIA PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Editors, please contact Crystal Watts, assistant director, community engagement, by email at crystal.watts.2@mnsu.edu or by phone at 507-389-6076 to schedule a photo of all the donated items before they are delivered beginning next week.
“Socktober” was introduced on the Minnesota State Mankato campus in 2021 and has since become a tradition and signature part of the Mavs in Action mission to show students the power of service and volunteerism.
“Socktober” is based on the premise that some of the least donated items to emergency housing programs are socks and underwear. A warm pair of socks in the winter can prevent frostbite, give comfort and allow for healthy and safe mobility when shelter is not certain.
Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 15,721 students, is part of the Minnesota State system, which includes 26 colleges and seven universities.
