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Northeast Ohio helps those in need for the holidays

A pair of socks and a giving heart can go a long way.

AVON LAKE, Ohio — The holiday season is a time of giving. 3News has teamed up with Community West Foundation in hosting this year's Socks+ donation drive in Fairview Park and Avon Lake. 

The Socks+ donation drive at Good Neighbors Thrift Shop in Avon Lake brought in community givers by the dozen on Monday, including Lucy McLelland. 

"I ran out to do a little shopping and thought, "I might grab some socks, so I'll take them now.' And then I started doing a little shopping."

The mission of the Socks+ drive is collecting essentials for the homeless across Northeast Ohio. And while many give money or food, socks are the number one requested donation item from the homeless. 

"It's something we all take for granted," explains Marty Eule, president and CEO of Community West Foundation. "Everybody has socks, but when you're outside sometimes you need two, three and four pairs of socks. And if they get wet, you're in real trouble. So socks are important, but we added the plus. The plus is hygiene, it's underwear, it's all the things we might need if we were living on the street."

A pair of socks and a giving heart can go a long way.  

"Everyone is always so happy they can help in whatever way they can and they're so grateful that we're here," says Leah McDermatt, manager at Good Neighbors Thrift in Avon Lake. "It will be busy. We're staying open late two extra hours today until 7 o' clock, so it will be busy."

The spirit of giving could also be found in North Olmsted, where Grandma's Magical Gingerbread House stands right off of Columbia Road. It's a tiny little drop-off location the community is using as a donation resource. Dozens of essential items and toys have been dropped off by those passing by. The items, all free, help to give families the gift of Christmas this year.

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