Savior Socks
How did Savior Socks come about?
Like many people I was laid off of my job due to employee cutbacks. I then decided that it was crucial for me to acquire skills that I did not have to get a job that wasn’t physical due to my age. I sign up for a workers retraining program at Clark College. I decided to go through the business marketing program; it seemed like a good fit because I knew that I wanted to work for a nonprofit. While going to Clark I enrolled in a nonprofit class that was taught by Nathan Webster, he also has a nonprofit called Dream Big. His class inspired me to think outside the box, our class was instructed to come up with an idea for a nonprofit. Some of the students were already in the process of starting their own nonprofit, but I was not. To make a long story short, our son Chance had been homeless, and he is the one that came up with the idea of SS. He knew that I was searching for something that would help people in need. He told me that when he was homeless many people had foot problems, their feet were literally rotting, and they would have to go to the emergency room to be treated; he was one of those people. I believe that I decided then and there, what my purpose would be. I was going to help the people in need have clean dry socks year-round, so they would not have to suffer with debilitating foot issues.
How did you come up with the name of Savior Socks?
The name of SS came about through my son Clinton. He has a business that is called Save Your Construction, and since I am a Christian woman it was important to me to use Savior, as in our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Description of Savior Socks
SS mission is to provide clean and dry socks year-round to those in need. SS exist to provide socks to those in need within our local communities and the communities that have experienced natural disasters. It is a nonprofit organization founded in 2016 and based in Clark County, Washington.
Are you the creator of Savior Socks?
Yes
Any key players
Yes, I have two other board members, Vice president Mary Wilen, and Secretary/Treasurer Deana Kahn, both are lifelong friends and professional, career women. Heidie McCall is another key element in SS organization. I met her in the fall of 2016 while going to Clark College. She is a professional musician that has her own band “The Old Rock and Roll Queen
What is your background that is relevant to Savior Socks?
I have always had a giving heart. My last job position was a courier. I drove approximately 200 miles a day. While I was on the road I would see many people in need and would want to help. I did help, I would purchase Subway Sandwich food cards and hand them out to various people that I felt needed them. I would also hand out different food items; I had pack for the day. I also graduated from Clark College in June 2017 with a marketing degree.
My brief description about being a cancer patient and how it is relevant to Savior Socks
I was between a stage 3 and stage 4 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January, of 2011. I decided that I was not going to take any chances of my cancer reoccurring, so I had a double mastectomy and went through Chemotherapy treatment for six months. I have always been a very positive person and with God’s help I was able to endeavor to persevere. Like any life threatening experience, it will make you think outside the box. I believe this was one of my turning points in life, being a cancer survivor gives you empathy for others.
What are your goals for the community?
To do whatever it takes to help the people in need, there are so many. We all need to band together with our resources to accomplish this. Networking is a key element in accomplishing this huge task. Most of us are one paycheck away from being homeless. As SS grows, its mission to provide socks for those in need will also grow.
Tell me about the events, and their success.
In 2017, SS has had four giving events at Laundry LOVE. They were successful with over 1000 items distributed. SS has also had five fundraisers and two raffles, the socks that were raised and donated were given to several locations, they are:
1. Lifeline Connection
2. The Who program, feeds and shelters the homeless.
3. The Owl program, feeds and shelters the homeless.
4. Women and children’s shelters
What items are you looking for?
SS is primarily looking for new socks but has given out many clothing items to keep people warm and comfortable.
How can the community help?
SS collects new socks, but also gladly accept financial contributions. SS will then distribute these items where there is the biggest need. In November, SS started a campaign called the “Million Sock March.” Its goal is to raise One Million pairs of socks, for our local communities also the communities that have experienced natural disasters. If you would like more information, go to Savior Socks Facebook page, or google Savior Socks for more articles and information. With your donations SS will then continue to provide socks to those in need. SS motto is; helping love grow one step at a time. With your help and support SS will make this happen.
