West Pensacola Elementary, Running Wild Launch Socktober Drive for Veterans, Homeless

West Pensacola Elementary School and Running Wild are teaming up for the sixth annual Socktober donation drive, running through October 31 to collect socks and essential items for people in need across Pensacola.

The campaign aims to collect 3,500 pairs of new socks this year—up from 2,923 collected last year since the drive launched in 2020 with just 422 pairs. For the first time, donated socks will be distributed not only to individuals experiencing homelessness through Opening Doors Northwest Florida but also to local veterans via the VA clinic, expanding the program's impact.

Donation drop-off locations include Running Wild at 3012 E. Cervantes Street and 72A South Section Street in Fairhope, West Pensacola Elementary at 801 N. 49th Avenue, and select local businesses. Beyond socks, the community can donate jackets, blankets, shoes, hats, rain gear, bottled water, and other essentials. According to organizers, socks are among the most-needed yet overlooked items for people without stable housing, offering warmth and dignity as weather cools.