Harris Teeter, Rainier Fruit and Hanes today announced a donation of 10,000 pairs of Hanes socks to the Charlotte Salvation Army Center of Hope courtesy of the Apples and Pears on a Mission campaign. Through this partnership, Rainier Fruit, Hanes, and Harris Teeter have donated 30,000 pairs of socks to the Salvation Army over three years.

During the months of November and December, national fruit grower, Rainier Fruit, and the leading basic apparel brand, Hanes, joined forced with Harris Teeter to host a charity sock drive. During this campaign, a portion of proceeds from in-store pear and apple sales were donated to the Hanes for Good program to purchase 10,000 pairs of socks for The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte.

“We are thrilled to partner once again with Rainier Fruit and Hanes to provide a much-needed item to families in need,” said Paige Pauroso, communication specialist at Harris Teeter. “As always, we are blown away by the generosity of our valued associates and loyal shoppers who continue to support donation programs like this one to help their neighbors.”

The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte provides programming and services that includes the operation of local Boys & Girls Clubs, shelters for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing programs, disaster recovery aid, and an adult rehabilitation center. At its Center of Hope, The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte provides meals and basic needs, as well as support services aimed at helping people move out of homelessness and into stability.

In March, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services released the 2022 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report, including data from the most recent Point in Time Count. The number of people experiencing homelessness has increased 3 percent since last year, with more than 3,260 experiencing homelessness in the county. According to the report, the decrease in available low-cost rentals, combined with the number of individuals who are housing-cost burdened are contributing factors to the needs facing our community. As a result, the length of time individuals spend in emergency shelter has increased, making basic needs donation programs even more critical.

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About Apples and Pears On A Mission: Through its annual Apples and Pears On a Mission campaign, Rainier Fruit, one of the largest suppliers of quality, conventional and organic fruit in the United States and Hanes, the leading basic apparel brand in the United States, partnered with Harris Teeter to invite shoppers to “pear” their healthy eating and charitable giving goals. During the months of November and December, a portion of proceeds from in-store pear and apple sales were donated to the Hanes for Good program. Thanks to the generosity of Harris Teeter’s pear and apple consumers, Rainier Fruit and Harris Teeter were able to donate 10,000 pairs of Hanes socks to The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte.

About Rainier Fruit: Rainier Fruit is a multi-generation, vertically integrated fruit company based in Selah, WA. For more than 100 years, Rainier Fruit has cultivated a culture of stewardship that extends from their orchards to their communities that has made them an industry leader in the production of apples, pears, cherries, and blueberries.

About Hanes: Hanes, America's No. 1 apparel brand, found in 9 out of 10 American households, is a leading brand of intimate apparel, underwear, sleepwear, socks and casual apparel. Hanes is committed to providing comfort in an uncomfortable world by offering comfort, style, and value in our products while making a positive impact in our communities. Hanes products can be found at leading retailers nationwide and online direct to consumers at www.Hanes.com.

About HanesBrands: HanesBrands (NYSE: HBI) makes everyday apparel that is known and loved by consumers around the world for comfort, quality and value. Among the company’s iconic brands are Hanes, the leading basic apparel brand in the United States; Champion, an innovator at the intersection of lifestyle and athletic apparel; and Bonds, which is setting new standards for design and sustainability. HBI employs 51,000 associates in 32 countries and has built a strong reputation for workplace quality and ethical business practices. The company, a longtime leader in sustainability, has set aggressive 2030 goals to improve the lives of people, protect the planet and produce sustainable products. HBI is building on its unmatched strengths to unlock its #FullPotential and deliver long-term growth that benefits all of its stakeholders.