Laundromat Donates Over 900 Pairs Of Socks To Local Charities

December 15, 2023

Today's good news story comes from Bangor, Maine.

Mainers understand the significance of having clean, dry socks - especially in the winter.

The Laundry Basket, a local laundromat, has ingeniously turned a common problem into a charitable initiative to ensure everyone has this essential item.

laundromat donates 900 pairs of socks
Amanda Sidell / @thecleanest_messylady

Owner Amanda Sidell shares the inspiration behind their November sock drive, stating, "For every lost sock we found, we pledged to donate a brand-new pair to local charities." The beneficiaries include Partners for Peace, the Shaw House, and the Hope House through PCHC.

The laundromat's daily sock pickups yielded 56 lost socks in November.

"Laundry may not always be enjoyable, so we decided to find the fun in it and do something meaningful with the lost socks we collect," Sidell told WABI 5 News.

@thecleanest_messylady Thank you Bombas for the sock donation! Remember, the month of November, we’re donating a new pair of socks for every missing sock found at The Laundry Basket! #laundry #laundromat #heybangor #bangormaine #bombas #washdryfold #lostsock ♬ You Know It's Not the Same as It Was - Martina

The community actively participated in the sock drive, resulting in the collection of over 950 pairs of new socks. Additionally, sock brand Bombas generously donated 750 pairs, further boosting the initiative.

Sidell emphasizes the role of the laundromat as a hub for community connections. And as a local business, she believes in giving back.

"I think it's really important to continuously give back to our community. These aren't strangers; these are our community members," she said.

Watch the local good news video below.