Contact:                Jennifer Zaitz
                                Weber Shandwick
                                212-445-8273     
                                jzaitz@webershandwick.com

               

Hanes® Online Virtual Sock Drive Ties Social
Networkers to Real-World Charitable Giving

 

Virtual Sock Drive via Facebook® will Determine the
 Number of Real Socks Donated to the United Way

 

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Dec. 21, 2009 – Hanes®, America’s No. 1 apparel brand, today announced that it will donate up to 100,000 pair of socks to the less fortunate this holiday season – one pair of comfortable real socks for every virtual pair of socks that social networkers send to friends.

Until Dec. 31, 2009, Hanes Facebook page visitors (www.facebook.com/hanes) may select a predesigned pair of Hanes socks that can be virtually sent to a friend.  For each virtual pair of socks sent, Hanes® will donate one actual pair of socks to the United Way , one of Hanes’ longtime charitable partners.

“Charitable giving is critical to building communities,” said Hanes Senior Vice President Sidney Falken.  “This holiday season, we recognize the current economic climate will make it more difficult for people to donate financially to worthy causes that still very much need our support.  The Hanes virtual sock drive encourages the use of social networking to make a difference during the holidays.  People love to help others. We know that the online community will respond.”

This charitable giving effort underscores the brand’s ongoing commitment to social media.  Hanes has taken great care in entering the ever-evolving online space, understanding the importance of fostering authentic, two-way conversation with consumers via social media channels and regularly employing its social networking channels to spread news about noteworthy consumer campaigns.

“We are honored to enhance our long-standing partnership with Hanes to aid those who are less fortunate this holiday season,” said Ron Drago, President and CEO, United Way of Forsyth County in North Carolina .  “Socks are something everyone needs – especially during the cold winter months.  We think it’s great that Hanes is leveraging social media to encourage people to give back in a way that’s fun and impactful.”

United Way advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life, in 45 countries and territories around the world, including nearly 1,300 local chapters in the United States .  Hanes has partnered with the United Way for decades, earning awards for employee-led fundraising programs that have contributed a record $25 million over the past decade to the United Way of Forsyth County .

“Hanes is proud to continue our wonderful relationship with United Way through a unique effort designed to encourage charitable giving,” Falken said.  

 

About Hanes®

Hanes is a leading brand of intimate apparel, underwear, sleepwear, socks, and casual apparel.  Hanes® is a flagship brand of HanesbrandsInc .(HBI:NYSE).  Hanes® products can be found at leading retail stores nationwide and online direct to consumers at www.hanes.com.

About United Way

United Way is a worldwide network in 45 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all, by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way , please visit: LIVEUNITED.org.

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