Photos: Sock On Sock Drive For Homeless Hoosiers
IIVA Member Venues stand among the donated socks inside Horizon House.
(Left to Right) Joe Hamgeri, Maria Willinger, Wesley Heaton, Josh Baker, Dee Annis, Mike Quarto, Kenny Cole, & Seema Choudhary
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Sock On sock drive to benefit our fellow Hoosiers experiencing homelessness. Through the efforts of our IIVA venues, and their customers, over 500 pairs of socks were collected and donated to Horizon House of Indiana. Several venues went above and beyond to add to their donations by collecting Winter hats, scarves, coats and mittens. In addition to the on-site collection efforts, several venues received multiple boxes of sock donations shipped via online stores including Amazon.com. The generosity and timing could not have been more crucial with our delivery arriving just after Indiana’s first big snow during sub-zero temperatures.
In regards to shuttered music venues reaching out to to help the community, The Mousetrap’s Mike Quarto noted “As bad as it can be out there, there’s people in much much worse shape right now. Going through COVID and being homeless? I can’t imagine.”
Teresa Wessel, Executive Director of Horizon House, spoke with the members of IIVA and local media outlets on how the socks will be distributed to those in need. Wessel stated that they provide essentials on a year-round basis to those in need.
“Anyone coming in, in need of fresh, warm socks may request a pair at the front desk. With the colder weather here to stay, these socks will be able to warm the feet (and hands) of many community members in need. We love all of our donations but we know that this came from the heart,” said Wessel.
Mike Quarto of Mousetrap Stands next to the first round of donations collected midway through SOCK ON Sock Drive.
Participating venues included:
White Rabbit Cabaret - Indianapolis
Zonie’s Closet - Indianapolis
Helium Comedy Club - Indianapolis
Mousetrap - Indianapolis
The Jazz Kitchen - Indianapolis
Melody Inn - Indianapolis
Carnahan Hall - Lafayette
Brown County Music Center - Nashville (Indiana)
HI-FI - Indianapolis
Indiana Independent Venue Alliance will make this an annual event and is already looking for more ways to support organizations like Horizon House on a year-round basis. To learn more about Horizon House, and how you can donate year round, please visit their website. For more information on SOCK ON and IIVA, please reach out to karah@indianavenuealliance.org.