$1 Provides a New Pair of Socks to the Homeless

Jacksonville, FL (November22, 2010)— This fall, Dignity U Wear, the Jacksonville, FL-based, national nonprofit that provides brand new clothing to men, women and children in need, is partnering with another nonprofit based in Pittsburgh, PA—Socks2Soles. Socks2Soles is committed to providing free socks to the homeless and indigent receiving free foot medical examinations as well as new shoes from its parent organization, Our Hearts to Your Soles. Dignity U Wear is procuring, processing and delivering socks needed to keep feet dry and healthy. The announcement was made by Robert S. Bryan, Executive Director of Dignity U Wear.

"For every dollar donated to Dignity U Wear for The Sock Project, we will provide a brand new pair of socks to homeless or indigent people who need them," Bryan said. "Our goal is to provide 20,000 pairs of socks, with two pair going to each of 10,000 people during the course of this effort."

The day-to-day difficulties homeless men, women and families face often compromise their health and create medical problems that place additional and frustrating barriers to getting life back on track. Foot care is a prime example.

For many homeless people, walking is their primary form of transportation. In addition, they often stand for hours, waiting in line to receive services. They usually carry their possessions with them, which places additional stress on their feet. And because they are at the mercy of the elements, their feet are frequently damp. As a result, the homeless are likely to experience chronic foot infections and conditions caused by constant dampness and cold as well as severe calluses, blisters, and other ailments from ill-fitting shoes—and a lack of socks.

"It’s difficult to get people "back on their feet," when those feet are not healthy," said Bryan.

That’s why Dignity U Wear is working with Socks2Soles. Their parent organization, Our Hearts to Your Soles, began as a local effort in 2006 serving 40 people in Pittsburgh. The program has grown and this year, they will run clinics in 47 cities, serving 10,000 people. The homeless will receive free medical care and, thanks to donations from Red Wing Shoes, each person receiving care will also receive a new pair of shoes. By providing the free socks, Dignity U Wear is part of a total solution helping the homeless overcome foot problems in order to have a chance at a better life.

The mission of Dignity U Wear is to positively impact the lives of children and their families in need by providing brand new clothing at no cost to the recipients. Dignity partners with the apparel industry to provide the supply of clothing and then works through a network of social service agencies to deliver the clothing based on specified needs. Founded in 2000, the organization has provided more than 6.6 million pieces, valued at $120 million, to more than 450,000 people. For more information about the organization of The Sock Project initiative, visit www.dignityuwear.org.

Filed under: General by Dignity U Wear