Bellingham, WA – October 1, 2018 – Recognizing that socks are the most requested clothing item at homeless shelters, today Peoples Bank launched its inaugural “Share a Pair During Socktober” campaign, with the goal of donating 5,000 new pairs of socks to non-profit organizations serving homeless communities in the state.
 
During the month of October, Peoples Bank will accept donations of new pairs of socks at its 23 branches in Washington. The Bank will also donate socks on behalf of customers who share and tag photos of people wearing fun, crazy socks using #shareapair on Instagram and Facebook, and for customers who visit a branch wearing fun socks and agree to have their photo taken and shared on social media.
 
Donated socks will be delivered to the Seattle Union Gospel Mission, Everett Gospel Mission, Lighthouse Mission, Northwest Youth Services, Lydia Place, Skagit Community Action, Haven of Hope and the Whidbey Homeless Coalition.
 
“We believe in the power of neighbor helping neighbor to help stabilize community members and equip them to exit poverty,” said Yuliya Rybalka, Donor Development Manager at Community Action of Skagit County. “Our clients are always in need of functional socks for adults and children, and specifically wool and athletic socks. We are thrilled to be working with Peoples Bank on this creative campaign that will go a long way toward helping the less fortunate people in our community.”
 
Addressing the Homelessness Issue in Washington State
According to the 2018 Point-in-Time Count report, 22,416 people were reported to be homeless in the state. This includes more than 12,000 people in King County, up four percent from the year before. In Ballard, where Peoples Bank operates one of its two branches in King County, the report found a fourfold increase in homelessness in just one year, with 214 people tallied there on one night in January, an increase larger than almost anywhere else in King County.
 
“The goal of our Socktober event is to raise awareness of homelessness in our communities and be a part of the solution to help those in need,” said Michelle Barrett, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking & Marketing Officer. “Every night in Washington state an estimated 22,000 people live on the streets or in shelters or transitional living. Donating socks can make a difference in the lives of our homeless neighbors.”
 
Peoples Bank was founded nearly 100 years ago in Lynden, Washington and today employs more than 430 people. The Bank encourages employees to volunteer in their local communities by providing regular opportunities for involvement and paid time off for eligible employees. Through its "Community Involvement Day" program, employees are offered up to eight paid hours annually to use their skills and knowledge to improve their communities.
 
More information about the “Share a Pair During Socktober” campaign and a full list of Peoples Bank branch locations accepting sock donations can be found at www.peoplesbank-wa.com/socktober.
 
About Peoples Bank
Peoples Bank is a locally owned and operated, independent full-service community bank with $1.7 billion in assets. Headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, the Bank was founded in 1921 and operates 23 branches located throughout Washington. In its most recent rating, Bauer Financial, a leading independent bank rating firm, awarded Peoples Bank its highest five-star superior rating. This rating recognizes Peoples Bank’s strong financial management practices, dedicated employees and long-standing customer relationships. Learn more about Peoples Bank at https://www.peoplesbank-wa.com/.

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