Givember 2019 — Keeping Our Neighbors Warm

It’s been over 70 years since Ernest Packaging Solutions opened our doors. In that time we’ve seen our community grow and change for the better. But no matter how many years go by, one thing will always hold true. In the words of Robert F. Kennedy, “Each time a man acts to improve the lot of others, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls.”

It’s Givember 2019, and the Ernest Brand Council is sending forth those ripples of hope all across the country.

Each year for Givember we try to pave a brighter path for our less-fortunate neighbors. In 2017 we donated food to families struck by a series of devastating hurricanes, and in 2018 we collected school supplies for underprivileged students. As the Boise Rescue Mission puts it, “For adults and children experiencing poverty or homelessness, a little bit of help can make a world of difference.”

With the winter months ahead, this year we turned our attention to people who don’t have a warm home to turn to. We learned that local homeless shelters request socks more than any other item. A single shelter can go through as many as 2,500 pairs in a month, so the need is urgent. 

With that need in mind, the Ernest Brand Council launched our Givember Sock Drive. Our original goal was to collect 10,000 pairs of socks. We’re proud to announce that Ernest’s employees shattered that goal and were able to donate nearly 12,000 pairs just in time for the season!

Bundles of socks for Houston’s Star Hope Mission

“These socks will directly help the families we serve,” says the Fresno Rescue Mission. “They will immediately benefit the men, women and children who rely on us in the winter months.” 

All across the country Givember has inspired other local companies to get involved, too — Ernest’s vendors, clients, even businesses where our employees’ spouses work. We’re all stronger when our communities are stronger. Together, we can do a lot of good.

Ernest employees in Raleigh with socks for Healing Transitions

“Donating clothes for winter is so timely since the weather is changing soon,” says Union Gospel Mission in Sacramento. “Having dry, warm socks can mean so much to the children and adults who have to live in the elements on a daily basis.” 

Over in Salt Lake City, The Road Home shelter agrees, “These socks will warm the feet of more than 300 people who stay with us every night. Every little bit helps tremendously.”

<Plenty of warmth headed to the Nevada Homeless Alliance in Las Vegas

As we look forward to winter, we encourage you to reach out to your local charities. Ask them about their most-requested items, or about volunteering as a company for a day. It might surprise you to learn how simple it is to make a difference. A better life for someone in need might be as close as your sock drawer.