Blue Socks for Kids wins national award

An initiative launched last winter to provide warm socks to needy Vermont children has received a national award for its community service from the America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) Foundation.
The Blue Socks for Kids project was recognized by the AHIP Foundation during its 2009 Community Leadership Awards. Blue Socks for Kids was praised as a creative project that drew upon the successful collaboration between several Vermont organizations, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont, Northfield sock manufacturer Cabot Hosiery Mills Inc., and the state's community action agencies and homeless shelters.
American and Canadian research reveals that warm underclothing remains high on the list of needs among the low-income and homeless who live in cold climates. Acting on these research findings, The Vermont Caring Foundation the nonprofit charitable arm of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont donated $25,000 for the purchase of 10,000 pairs of high quality merino wool socks manufactured specifically for the Blue Socks for Kids program by Cabot Hosiery Mills. In December of 2008, the socks were distributed to the neediest children through Vermont's community action agencies and seven homeless shelters.
"This initiative of The Vermont Caring Foundation was highly successful and well received," said Kevin Goddard, Vice President of External Affairs at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont. "It warmed hearts as well as toes here in Vermont."