Cambridge resident Stacey Del Fabbro knows it’s better to give than to receive.
That’s why she’ll be collecting new pairs of socks, gloves and hats to donate to those experiencing homelessness around Cambridge as part of the ‘Sock It To Me’ campaign in October.
This year marks the third straight that Del Fabbro will be out and about collecting items for those in need.
When she first began this charitable mission, she had no idea what to expect. All she could do was hope for the best.
“The first year I was just hoping someone would donate,” she recalled with a laugh.
“I would have been thrilled with 40 pairs but we ended up getting 77.”
In year two she received more media attention and three local businesses reached out to her to put a donation bin in their office. That, combined with a more prominent social media presence, led to 330 items being donated.
Del Fabbro puts together the campaign on her own, but says she couldn’t possibly do it without the support of the community and those who are generous enough to donate.
“I was thrilled with last years results,” she said.
“I do this alone in that I organize it every year, make up little flyers, and I put it out on social media. However, the minute someone donates an item, they join my team. They don’t have to do anything else, but by donating they become a part of something bigger.”
With an increase in donations each of the first two years, she’s hoping the trend continues and has set a goal of 1,000 items. She’ll also be moving her timeline up from November to October in hopes of getting the donations distributed earlier in the fall before it gets cold.
“I can dream,” she said of reaching her goal.
“I always collected in November and I found that by the time I got to the end of the month, people would say they still have something for me. It’d be two weeks before Christmas and I’d still be picking things up.”
This year the campaign will run from October 1 to 31.
For Del Fabbro, her work is about a lot more than the items she collects to donate. It’s about being there for one another and showing you care during tough times.
“It’s easy to be kind,” Del Fabbro said.
“There are months that I can’t rub two quarters together, but when I can I want to share my quarters. I like to always see the best in people. Some people choose not to, but I do.”
All funds and donations stay within the city of Cambridge. Donation arrangements can be made through the Sock It To Me Cambridge Facebook account and monetary donations are also being accepted through the campaign’s GoFundMe page.
