On a cold December 7 afternoon, Gloucester City residents braved the wind and donated socks for the homeless and veterans in memory of Shane Chapman, a six-year-old boy who passed away on June 9, 2006.
“When we lose someone, we are left with all of the love that belonged to that person – except we no longer know where to put it. So, naturally, we have to find somewhere to share that love,” Danielle Russo, the sister-in-law of Shane’s father, Mark Chapman, who started the annual Shane Chapman Sock Drive three years ago.
“Losing someone as special as Shane, it’s no surprise that there would be an overflowing amount of love and joy left behind for his family and friends to spread,” Russo said.
“This annual sock drive is a way to not only honor Shane, but to give other people who may not be as lucky the chance to experience that kind of love. The community truly pulls together to donate as much as possible every Christmas season – giving the light of love to those who need it most,” she said.
“We give the socks to homeless shelters and veterans,” said Chapman, who was busy organizing the event right up to its starting time at 12 noon in the Shane Chapman Memorial Park.
The first year the drive was held in 2022 some 1,200 pairs of socks were donated. More than 1,500 pairs were donated last year, and this year’s event shattered those numbers.
“We collected a total of 3,337 pairs of socks. It was a very good day,” said Chapman, who thanked everyone who helped out while watching some residents bring 55-gallon drums filled with socks.
It was a family event, as children were able to visit with Santa Claus and have fun in the playground.
“This is my third year as Santa Claus,” said Chris Gavin, a neighbor and friend. “I have known Mark for years and I would never say no to a friend.”
The younger children who wrote Santa a letter included their name and address to be sure of receiving a letter back in their mailbox from St. Nick.
Some of the older children also pitched in by donating socks, including Jaxon and Ella Tedesco, along with their father, Alex Tedesco, director of the Gloucester City Public Works Department.
The Memorial Park, located on Park Avenue and decked out in full Christmas glory, was dedicated to Shane Chapman, who was the loving son of Mark and Wendy Chapman (nee Pierman) and younger brother of Colin and twin brother of Zachary.
When he passed away, he was a first grader at Cold Springs Elementary School and a big fan of Notre Dame. He was a very busy little boy who played soccer baseball and street hockey.
In his memory, and thanks to the generosity of Gloucester City residents, businesses and organizations, homeless people and veterans will be a little warmer this winter.
