An Often Overlooked Vital Need
Every year My Sister Knits has a sock drive in October. This year we are extending it until Black Friday.
Some fun Justay socks from Amazon; 30% wool and on sale!
Most of us only think about socks with one thought in mind: “What pair shall I wear today?” We can choose some that go with our outfit, ones that will keep our feet warm on cold days, or maybe ones that will lift our mood because we love the color and pattern.
Now, think about people experiencing homelessness. They often go for long periods of time without taking off their shoes or changing their socks. They can walk for hours each day. Their feet can get damp and cold. They don’t have the luxury of a change of socks.
They can find clothes at local shelters because those are easily donated but what about socks? People don’t tend to donate their old socks, they throw them out.
According to Harold Cox, Associate Dean for Public Health Practice at Boston University School of Public Health in 2019, many people experiencing homelessness have a condition called polyneuropathy which involves losing nerve function and they can’t feel irritations in their feet. Their thickened skin can break down to an ulcer and become infected, possibly causing sepsis or deep bone infections.
Other foot issues caused by wearing the same pair of socks over and over are painful blisters, calluses, fungal infections, trench foot, and frostbite as cold weather approaches. Since walking is their main mode of transportation, healthy feet are imperative.
New clean socks offer a little bit of dignity besides their vital contribution to better foot health. Their importance should not be underestimated!
We are collecting new store-bought socks. When you bring them in, you’ll be entered in a give-away for a $100 gift certificate. The winning name will be drawn on Friday, November 29th!
The socks that we collect are placed in FoCo Cafe’s Community Closet, named The Giving Tree. FoCo Cafe, Feeding Our Community Ourselves, is a non-profit restaurant. They serve everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Patrons who are able, are encouraged to pay what a comparable meal would cost at another restaurant. Or more! People who aren’t able are asked to donate their time and volunteer as part of their Meal Exchange Program.
FoCo Cafe’s meals focus on nutrition while also being delicious! They use local, organic, and sustainably grown ingredients and there’s a warm inviting atmosphere as soon as you walk through the door. Try it out! They’re located at 225 Maple and they have vegetarian and vegan offerings also.
We know that you will jump at the chance to provide new socks for people experiencing homelessness now that you understand the vital need for them! Thank you!
Happy sock collecting,
