PORTLAND, Maine — Coast Guard staff from Sector Northern New England will donate over 400 pairs of socks to Preble Street Wednesday Dec. 23. The presentation will made by Master Chief Petty Officer Ronald Latronico who represents the Portland area Chief Petty Officer's Association as a part of a continuing project to help those in need. The local Coast Guard has been a strong supporter of Preble Street among many other community programs.
Mr. Richard Carlson, an employee of the Coast Guard, had led the Preble Street donation program for the local Coast Guard in the past. Mr. Carlson had set a goal to deliver 1000 pairs of socks this year. Unfortunately, a serious medical condition prevented him from making his normal holiday donation this year, so his Coast Guard friends and co-workers stepped in and collected socks on his behalf.
Based on Mr. Carlson's observations, socks were of the highest demand, especially in the winter. Since that discovery, he has regularly delivered socks to Preble Street. Today's donation marks 1000 pairs of socks donated by the local Coast Guard.
"We are grateful for the commitment and generosity of Mr. Carlson and for the wonderful tribute his co-workers at the Coast Guard station have paid to him. We are serving more people than ever in our programs and this donation will help in providing comfort to our neighbors in need" states Melanie McKean, Development Manager for Preble Street.
"As a humanitarian service, we are pleased to offer help to those in need" offered Master Chief Petty Officer Latronico. "There is added holiday satisfaction to make the donation on behalf of Mr. Carlson, who is so committed to helping his community. We are so glad we could fulfill Mr. Carlson's holiday plan to donate 1000 pairs of socks," Latronico concluded.
