South College hosts sock drive for homeless during March Madness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 8, 2026

South College Knoxville hosted a sock drive throughout the month of March, collecting 553 pairs of new socks to be donated to Holding to Hope Bridge Ministry.

Faculty, staff and students donated new socks for people of all ages to distribute to individuals experiencing homelessness in East Tennessee. Basketball hoop donation bins were placed throughout campus to entice individuals to make a basket and a donation for a good cause. Cash donations also were accepted.

“This sock drive is a way for us to give back and also offers some fun for faculty and staff during March Madness,” said Neil Heatherly, campus president for South College Knoxville. “South College is committed to providing service to the community, and we know even small initiatives can have a meaningful impact.”

Holding to Hope Bridge Ministry serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness under the I-40 bridge by providing clothing, food and other essential resources.

The sock drive reflects South College’s ongoing commitment to community engagement. Throughout the year, South College hosts fundraisers and service initiatives that benefit local organizations, including the American Heart Association and community-based efforts such as back-to-school supply drives.

Students in South College’s Physician Assistant and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs regularly volunteer to provide basic medical care to the homeless population through an initiative called “Under the Bridge” in downtown Knoxville. This continuing initiative is a partnership with the Knoxville Dream Center and Lost Sheep Ministry serving vulnerable populations while offering South College students experience treating diverse and underserved patient groups.

South College offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE.

To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.

About South College

South College serves more than 20,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.

South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, education, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.