For many individuals, Feb. 14 is a day to celebrate their sweethearts and warm the emotions of their loved ones. But for Berks Encore Centers, the date will serve as a day to warm the feet of the homeless.

In conjunction with a sock drive, which has a goal of receiving 300 pairs of socks, the six senior center locations are collecting the clothing goods to donate the items for the homeless individuals at Hope Rescue Mission and Opportunity House, both in Reading.

The sock drive, for which the senior centers began receiving donations on Jan. 15, runs until Feb. 14, which is deemed “National Socks for the Homeless Day” in Pennsylvania. The February day received the designation following the efforts of Pa. State Senator Daylin Leach (D-17th District) to bring awareness to state residents of the health risks posed to homeless people by a lack of clean, dry socks.