March is Snack Man’s Annual Sock Drive for the Homeless
Mar 05, 2024 10:43AM ● By Elise Spleiss, photo by Elise Spleiss
Snack Man Alfred Sanchez poses with Grocery Outlet employees Shannon Belk and Jody Will.
CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - This is Snack Man Alfred Sanchez’s fourth year collecting and distributing new socks, along with his snacks, to Citrus Heights homeless residents during his birthday month of March.
Sanchez, a well-known friend and advocate to the local homeless population in his outreach area of Greenback Lane and Auburn Boulevard, becomes Sock Man as he puts out the call for hundreds of socks to celebrate his birthday and help his homeless friends and neighbors.
Clean socks are crucial for hygiene. Sanchez estimates that he goes out 300 times a year, handing about 10 pairs of socks each visit.
In 2021, Citrus Heights Grocery Outlet store co-owner Sara Wheeler with husband, Paul, suggested to Sanchez, a frequent customer, and as she says, “a fixture in our community,” that he put out a colorful barrel at the store for his sock donations. That was the beginning of a tradition.
Grocery Outlet is a supporter of Sanchez’s projects. As a family-owned ‘Mom and Pop’ run business, they are committed to the needs of their Citrus Heights community.
The sock drive will be held throughout March at the Citrus Heights Grocery Outlet at 6059 Greenback Lane. There are several ways to donate. Socks can be purchased at their totally remodeled store or brought in from elsewhere and dropped into the barrel at the door. Socks of all styles and colors can be delivered to Alfred Sanchez at his home at 6253 Longford Drive, Number 1 Citrus Heights, CA, 95621. Donations purchased elsewhere can also be dropped off at his home daily between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. daily. Call him at 916-517-6207 for more information.
For a second year, the Sunrise Christian Food Ministry at Advent Lutheran Church will accept socks from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at 5901 San Juan Ave.