Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Conference: September 29 – October 1
Exhibits: September 29 – 30

EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS:

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NRPA Gives Back

Support Philadelphia one pair of socks at a time at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference.

When park and recreation professionals come together, we show up for the communities that host us.

At the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, we’re inviting attendees to participate in a service project that will directly benefit local temporary housing shelters for people experiencing homelessness.

All you have to do is bring a new pair (or pack) of socks to donate, and NRPA will match your donation* to expand our impact. Socks are among the most requested items at emergency shelters and are an easy addition to your luggage.

Together, we’re supporting the Seven Dimensions of Well-Being by meeting a basic need, fostering community connection and helping create the conditions that allow everyone to thrive. We’ll turn this small act into meaningful support for our host city.

How It Works:

  1. Bring new socks with you to Philadelphia.
  2. Drop them in the donation bins located in the Registration Area or NRPA Member Area in the exhibit hall during the conference.
  3. NRPA will match attendee donations to increase the number of socks distributed to Philadelphia shelters.

 

It’s that simple! After the conference, we’ll tally the donations and share our collective impact with attendees.

NRPA Annual Conference attendees volunteer during service day

*Disclaimer: NRPA will match attendee sock donations up to a maximum value of $5,000 after any associated expenses. All donations will be distributed to local Philadelphia community organizations following the conference.

Where Your Donation Will Go

Philly House logo

Philly House

Philly House is Philadelphia’s largest and longest-running shelter, serving a third of the total male homeless population each year. Through our trauma-informed approach, we seek to meet every individual where they are on their journey so we can walk alongside them as they work toward stability and self-sufficiency. One of the best ways we can do that is by providing for each man’s physical needs. This not only builds trust, but allows our guests to focus on the future, something they do not have the privilege to do unless their immediate needs have been met. For our guests, a new, fresh pair of socks are so much more than an article of clothing. They are a symbol of dignity and one of the first glimmers of hope that their future can be brighter. Learn more about Philly House here.
Catholic Charities of Philadelphia logo

Saint John’s Hospice

Saint John’s Hospice is a nationally recognized residential and day services provider located in Center City Philadelphia. Since 1963, SJH continues to provide crucial, life-sustaining services such as emergency shelter, hot meals, mail services, showers, clothing and case management with dignity, respect and compassion to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. SJH is a ministry of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia. Learn more about Saint John’s Hospice here.