United Supermarkets donates 1,000 pairs of socks to Salvation Army as part of campaign

United Supermarkets of Amarillo donated 1,000 pairs of socks to the Salvation Army of Amarillo from its Apples & Pears on a Mission initiative (formerly Pears for Pairs) on Thursday at its Soncy Road location.

Over the fall and winter months, each purchase of Ranier Fruit pears and apples had a portion go toward purchasing socks to be distributed to organizations that support the homeless. From this initiative, 5,000 pairs of socks are to be donated to charitable organizations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, Wichita Falls, and Midland/Odessa.

Dustin Kyle, the store director for the Soncy United Supermarket location, said that over the last four years, United Supermarkets has been able to donate 4,000 new pairs of socks to the Amarillo homeless community. Socks are often cited as one of the most needed items in homeless shelters and are always in demand.

“I think any nonprofit, when you talk about the Salvation Army specifically, needs all the help they can get,” Kyle said. “They serve a lot of folks in our community and do many remarkable things. So anytime we can take the opportunity to help them complete their mission as well as ours, it is a win-win situation for everybody.”

Kyle emphasized the importance of United Supermarkets to be more than a grocery provider to the community.

“Part of our mission statement is to provide a positive impact, which is definitely impacting the community,” he said. “We want to make a difference in a nonprofit, make a difference in the community and its people, and help where possible. We are not just about running a business, but about giving back to the community simultaneously.”

Tex Ellis, Major for the Amarillo Salvation Army, spoke about the donation and the great need for community partners to help the less fortunate.

“Thank you to the community, to those that make this possible by purchasing these pears, because they know it's going to a good cause,” Ellis said. “We partner with United throughout the year. This enables us to help those who come through our doors and come into our shelters. This helps families with children; everyone needs socks. We thank United and the community for your support behind us and all our nonprofits.”

Ellis said that the community truly makes the Salvation Army’s mission work.

“The Salvation Amry in any community is only as strong as the support it gets,” Ellis said. “We do not come in and set up shop because we want to; we come into set up shop to meet a need. When the need sees that community, it is just a blessing to see them step up and support organizations like the Salvation Army, the services we provide, and the ministries out there. Support helps us keep doing this.”

With many people in need, Ellis said people can help the Salvation Army in its mission in various ways.

“Any donations of time, talent and obviously money just helps us keep our doors open and helps us to be ready for whatever need comes through our door,” Ellis said. “Today we are receiving socks. This is still one of the most needed items we hand out in shelters. We continue to solicit support and thank all that have supported us.”

For more information go to https://www.salvationarmy.org/ or call (806) 373-6631.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: United Supermarkets donates thousands of socks through pairs campaign