The journey of Sox of Love , Inc. started five years ago on Valentine's Day. It was never my intention to start a non profit organization, but after years of noticing and increase of more people (teens, women and senior citizens) out in the streets, it bothered me. I finally gained enough courage to ask each person I would meet, what they needed. No matter if they were 14 or 84 years of age, male or female, they all gave the same response. They all asked for new socks. I learned that socks is the number one needed, most requested item in shelters across America, but is the least donated item and the article of clothing that wears out quickest.
I had no real strategy because this was meant to be a one time effort. I thought of when would be the best time to share these socks and Valentine's Day struck a cord with my heart because what better day to share love with someone? So much effort and money is spent on this holiday of love, but not very much intention is put towards those who really need it. So a group of friends and I set out on that chilly Sunday afternoon and I could not believe the amounts of people who came to us to receive a pair of socks or a word of encouragement.
But, before we left, I had one encounter that changed my life, my perspective and crushed my spirit. Outside of the City Rescue Mission there was a woman who had no socks or shoes and was laying on a trash bag. She was sleeping, but I could not leave her there in that condition. I touched her and she woke up. I asked her if she would like some socks an she tearfully said yes. My friend, Tashica helped me put a few pairs of socks on her feet and we said a prayer with her. In that moment, I knew I was called to something greater and the mission to "Warm Hearts, Feet First" was birthed and commissioned within my heart and I knew there was more to do.
I choose to wear the color blue to remind me of her blue toes and lips. I never want to forget where we started from and WHY those initial 200 pairs of socks were the seedlings that have bloomed to 180,000 pairs that we have collected and distributed since that cold day 5 years ago. I personally invite you to help us love on 1,000 Neighbors this Valentine's Day! Keep scrolling to know how you can get involved.
Thank you for supporting this mission. YOU are the light of love.
Sincerely,
Tamara Nelson
CEO & Founder
I had no real strategy because this was meant to be a one time effort. I thought of when would be the best time to share these socks and Valentine's Day struck a cord with my heart because what better day to share love with someone? So much effort and money is spent on this holiday of love, but not very much intention is put towards those who really need it. So a group of friends and I set out on that chilly Sunday afternoon and I could not believe the amounts of people who came to us to receive a pair of socks or a word of encouragement.
But, before we left, I had one encounter that changed my life, my perspective and crushed my spirit. Outside of the City Rescue Mission there was a woman who had no socks or shoes and was laying on a trash bag. She was sleeping, but I could not leave her there in that condition. I touched her and she woke up. I asked her if she would like some socks an she tearfully said yes. My friend, Tashica helped me put a few pairs of socks on her feet and we said a prayer with her. In that moment, I knew I was called to something greater and the mission to "Warm Hearts, Feet First" was birthed and commissioned within my heart and I knew there was more to do.
I choose to wear the color blue to remind me of her blue toes and lips. I never want to forget where we started from and WHY those initial 200 pairs of socks were the seedlings that have bloomed to 180,000 pairs that we have collected and distributed since that cold day 5 years ago. I personally invite you to help us love on 1,000 Neighbors this Valentine's Day! Keep scrolling to know how you can get involved.
Thank you for supporting this mission. YOU are the light of love.
Sincerely,
Tamara Nelson
CEO & Founder
