A Key Player in the Comets’ Upcoming Sock Toss
Jan 6, 2026Utica, NY – We caught up with Ernie Talerico from the Rescue Mission of Utica on the organization’s involvement in the Comets’ Sock Toss game this Friday, January 9th.
As the Director of Operations, Talerico oversees the programs, services, and everything that goes on day to day at the Rescue Mission. The organization is vital to the community, especially during the winter months, providing shelter services, a food and clothing pantry, addiction and mental health services, and much more. The organization operates 24/7, 365 days a year to serve those who are in need throughout the Mohawk Valley.
This Friday marks the Comets’ second-ever Sock Toss, and the Rescue Mission will be involved for the second straight year. After last year’s Sock Toss, the Mission was able to provide hundreds of individuals and families with socks, and it hopes to impact even more people this year.
When discussing how this game aligns with his organization, Talerico commented, “Many times, the people who come to our doors have little to no items when they arrive, including clothing. The Sock Toss will help provide people with basic needs and keep them warm during the winter. It goes such a long way because if we can provide clothing, people don’t have to go to the store when they really need that money for things like rent and utilities.” This year’s sock donations will go directly to the Mission’s clothing center which will be accessible for the entire community.
Socks are one of the least donated items during the winter months but one of the most crucial. Reflecting on the impact of last year’s Sock Toss, Talerico said, “People were so grateful. When you come in with nothing, a warm pair of socks that are dry puts a smile on a person's face. We want people to know that the community cares about them.”
Talerico added that the Rescue Mission plans on tracking the donations they receive and the clothing items they give out, and looks forward to seeing the impact of this year’s Sock Toss on Friday when the Comets host the Syracuse Crunch at 7 p.m. For tickets or more information, fans can visit uticacomets.com/tickets or call 315-790-9070.