Simpson Volunteer Bill Jechorek
For twenty years, volunteer Bill Jechorek has shared his compassionate heart, can-do attitude, and thousands of donated socks with the guests of Simpson’s shelter.
Bill’s connection with Simpson began when he and members of the St. Vincent de Paul group at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church toured Simpson’s shelter and four other Minneapolis shelters years ago.
“At the time, there was a lottery system for shelter beds, and often there were not enough beds for everyone who needed one,” says Bill. Troubled by the devastating effects of unsheltered homelessness on community members, Bill wanted to find something he could do to help.
Simpson’s Single Adult Housing Program Manager Mary Gallini was the manager of Simpson’s shelter when Bill visited decades ago. “Mary mentioned that Simpson needed a lot of socks for shelter guests. She said, ‘we go through 300 pairs a month.’ That’s when we decided to focus on something we could do to help — we started collecting socks.”
Each year since, Bill has led an annual November sock drive at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. “Our goal is to collect one mile of socks — that’s 5,280 pairs — each year,” he says.
In November of 2020, Bill’s collection of socks reached a milestone of 100,000 pairs. Simpson’s shelter receives about 75% of the socks, and the volunteers donate the remaining pairs to four other local shelters.
Director of Volunteer Engagement Christina Giese shares Simpson’s appreciation for Bill’s dedication: “I have truly enjoyed knowing Bill Jechorek for the last 18 years. His dedication, positive energy, and humor are second to none! I look forward to hearing from him each fall when he shares the timeline for St. John the Baptist’s donation drive. It’s a great relief to me and our shelter team to know that our sock needs are taken care of for the year through the congregation’s generous support.”
In addition to collecting thousands of pairs of socks for Simpson, Bill and teams of volunteers from St. John have completed many projects at the shelter including painting, constructing new walls for offices, and building wooden storage lockers with locks, so guests may safely store their possessions.
At the age of 83, Bill’s heart for service continues to shape his relationships with community members, friends, and family — including his five children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. “Our dad has always been focused on service, before and after retirement. He is always looking for ways to help a neighbor or someone else. He exudes pure goodness. He is legendary in the way he leads and invites other people to join in,” share his son John and daughter-in-law Kelly.
Bill Jechorek and Simpson Executive Director Steve Horsfield
Bill encourages community members to join in this critical work of ending homelessness: “We can all make inroads. Look at what you’re good at, what you have a heart for. Use your gifts to help someone in the community. We can make life a little easier for someone else.”
And it is the “we” that is most important to Bill. He is grateful for the many people and organizations who have participated in collecting socks, building relationships, and supporting the community.
Thank you, Bill, for your partnership and generosity throughout so many years!