The Medallion, students and community partners unite to warm Houston’s homeless
As Houstonians prepared for the annual Thanksgiving parade on Nov. 27, a different kind of preparation took place downtown at Tranquility Park. The latter was rooted not in celebration, but in compassion and community responsibility.
In that spirit, four residents of The Medallion Jewish Assisted Living Residence – Paulette Bregman, Lisa Welch, Bernard Rich and Barbara Mishael – along with The Medallion Marketing director Loren Gordon and Activity coordinator Marsha Allen, Temple Beth Torah Rabbi Dan Gordon and longtime advocate Jay “Egg Man” Hamburger began distributing food and more than 1,000 pairs of socks to Houston’s homeless.
The group was warmly welcomed by Alison Bell, executive director of The Heritage Society. Although the morning air was brisk, spirits remained high as the sock-bearers greeted each individual seeking warmth, nourishment and kindness with a generous dose of compassion and friendship.
This was The Medallion’s second year to collect pairs of socks for those in need. As many as 300 pairs were collected in November 2024. The Medallion residents had partnered with United Orthodox Synagogues high school students, blending intergenerational service with Jewish values of caring for the vulnerable.
Rebranded this year, “Sock-Giving: Sock-dakah for Warm Hearts, Warm Feet” brought together an extraordinary coalition of partners: The Medallion, Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services, Houston Jewish Professionals, Temple Beth Torah, Robert M. Beren Academy, Westheimer Transfer and Storage, Jewish Herald-Voice, Tapester’s Grill and generous individuals throughout the community.
Among the standout supporters was Temple Beth Torah Bar Mitzvah student Omri Quick, who collected socks for his mitzvah project. Dr. Dovid Wolff, who donated more than 500 pairs of new Bombas socks, pushed the total contributions to more than 1,000 pairs. Socks are still coming in, including shipments from as far away as Pittsburgh, Pa.
For Hamburger, who has spent more than 35 years feeding Houston’s homeless, these socks are more than comfort; they are dignity and protection, especially with the Thanksgiving weekend bringing in the beginning of Houston’s harshest winter weather. The Egg Man plans to continue distributing socks every Sunday, along with his usual offerings of food and friendship.
“This is such a heartwarming event for everyone,” said Loren Gordon. “The project empowers our residents to take action and make a positive impact on our community.
“Our residents are passionate about giving, and this initiative creates meaningful opportunities for tzedakah, acts of justice and compassion.”
The collaboration among seniors, students, local organizations and dedicated volunteers serves as a reminder of the strength and generosity of Houston’s Jewish community. In a season of gratitude, their collective effort ensured that hundreds of individuals in need will face the winter a little warmer – and a lot more cared for.