Following the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria, thousands of Puerto Ricans lost everything- their homes and all of their possessions. Many people did not have anything but the clothes on their back. Absolute Exhibits learned from international aid organizations that the biggest need to assist victims of disasters was often a pair of clean, dry socks. Often overlooked, a pair of clean, dry socks could keep someone warm and disease free.

We asked our customers, friends, and neighbors to generously donate a pair of socks to help those displaced by the hurricanes, promising to match every donation. We found a reputable partner in Puerto Rico, the Chabad of Puerto Rico. Our partner on the ground, we asked them to identify community members in need, take delivery of donations, and pass them out to these community members. Because of your generosity, we successfully delivered 4,000 socks to the people of Puerto Rico. They filled crates destined for Bayamon, Loiza Trujillo Alto, and Canavanas where they would do the most good.

By partnering with the Chabad of Puerto Rico, we were able to give the gift of socks to families who are still struggling to recover after the hurricanes. Many of these community members are still living in motels paid for by FEMA with little belongings of their own left. Rabbi Mendel Zarchi spearheaded this effort with help from his congregation. In a series of events, held inside and outside of the temple, elders passed out these donations to those who needed them the most. Visiting families near and far, passing out socks, Chabad of Puerto Rico brought a sense of hope to people that originated with your kindness and generosity.

We would like to thank our customers, neighbors, and friends for your generous donations. We are reminded that together, we can make a difference in people’s lives, no matter how small.  Your gift of socks were much appreciated and positively impacted these families’ lives.