Living on the streets can be hazardous to your feet. People who are homeless are
on their feet more than the average person and are more likely to experience pain due to
wearing worn, dirty socks and improper shoe sizes. Because of the lack of proper footwear,
homeless people are at risk to physical injuries and infections; however, they lack quality health
care, which only exacerbates these problems. Many of these health care issues can be
mitigated with proper socks and shoes. These items are also in constant demand. People will
often donate their used clothing but, (and for good reason), not donate their used socks and
shoes.

Although veterans are often referred to as heroes, many struggle after returning
home. One of the greatest needs for veterans is to find gainful employment, which can be
challenging and overwhelming when readapting to civilian life. Without finding employment,
veterans risk becoming part of the homeless population. However, to search for employment,
veterans need to have the proper socks and shoes. Many veterans also lack a strong support
system, and we want to be part of their support system by providing them with the socks and
shoes they need.

One of life’s greatest joys is lighting
up a child’s face with a smile and that is why we feel so strongly about serving this population.
For children who are battling illnesses and long-term health issues, it can be very overwhelming
and confusing. They are faced with all kinds of emotions, such as fear, uncertainty, and
separation anxiety from parents and family members. We want to bring these children a sense
of comfort and security as well as fun and joy by providing them with socks that best suits their
emotional needs, such as children themed socks, cheerful/silly socks and socks with
inspirational words or phrases.

Living a long life is a blessing, but it also has its challenges, especially for those that have been uprooted from the comfort and familiarity of their own home to move into a long-term care facility. Those in long-term care facilities can experience depression and anxiety from this change in environment. They can also experience loneliness and isolation as friends and loved ones pass away. By providing socks, booties, and house shoes to those in long-term care facilities, we can help to lift their spirits, while keeping their feet warm and providing comfort. However, of equal importance
to their emotional state is their physical safety. Falls are the leading cause of injury in seniors and
wearing the wrong type of footwear can impair balance and increase the risk of falls. We will provide
non-skid socks and “safe” slippers/shoes, meaning ones with a rubber sole, a closed back, easy

top closure, such as Velcro, and extra width to account for swollen feet and ankles.

This population hits close to home for our president as she has worked with at-risk youth in 6-bed group homes and larger residential facilities for the last 31 years. Due to the trauma that many at-risk youth have suffered, they struggle with numerous emotional issues. One of these issues is low self-esteem due to family conflict, mistreatment or abuse, loss of supportive relationships, and a lack of trust and consistency because of numerous placements. However, our president has seen first-hand how a new pair of shoes can boost a youth’s self-esteem. A new pair of shoes can make youths feel better about themselves, give them more confidence, increase their physical activity, and, with their renewed self-esteem; they are more inclined to engage in social activities with their peers. Youth are also highly active and constantly growing so there is always a need for new socks and shoes.