For the fifth year in a row, Delivering Good was able to grow the impact of their “One Million Pairs of Socks Campaign”. Starting in 2016 with a goal of collecting 1 Million pairs of socks, the campaign has been incredibly successful and to date, has raised more than 10 Million pairs of socks that will be passed on to individuals and families in need.
In 2021 alone, Delivering Good received donations of nearly 3 Million pairs of socks from 21 generous brand partners, including a large donation from Hanesbrands. Working with 30 community partners across the US, we were able to distribute the donated socks to individuals and families affected by homelessness, incarceration, refuge, and poverty.
Socks are the least donated clothing item despite being one of the most needed by organizations that provide support to the homeless who have little access to clean water, laundry, or other services. Wearing the same socks over and over again without washing them can cause discomfort, irritation, and infections.
“In addition to helping prevent medical issues, a pair of new socks can provide warmth, comfort, and a sense of dignity to someone in need. While people may provide support with money or food, providing a pair of socks to a homeless individual can mean so much more than one can imagine. It’s hard to imagine that something so small like a pair of socks can mean so much to someone who does not own any,” said Merrie Keller, the Director of Product Procurement.
This campaign saw the light for the first time in 2016 when Isaac Ash, Founder, and President of United Legwear and Apparel Co., challenged his colleagues to donate one million pairs of socks to help the homeless and those in need in honor of World Homeless Day. What started as a simple challenge has turned into a campaign that has exceeded all expectations.
Since then, we’ve received donations from manufacturers and retailers, bringing the total number of new socks donated and given to individuals in need to over 10 million pairs through Delivering Good’s network of over 800 community programs.
It’s a lot of socks but the need continues and so does the campaign. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact [email protected].
