How to Give Socks to Homeless People.
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- Опубліковано 30 лис 2017
- I'm pretty sure I wasn’t the first guy to give socks to homeless people. But I can almost guarantee no one has handed out socks to as many homeless people in as many cities and countries as I have. In the last ten years, I have traveled to over 300 cities and eight different countries handing out socks and making new homeless friends. I thought it would be a good idea to put together a “How-to” guide on handing out socks to people experiencing homelessness.
But, before I begin with the “how”, let’s first discuss the “why”.
There are reasons handing out socks is so important. First, socks are a real need to homeless people. Imagine you have to store all your clothes and belongings in a backpack carried with you all day. Maybe you’ve got two pairs of jeans, a couple of shirts, a couple of pairs of underwear, and some socks. And, socks get dirty. They get dirty fast.
What happens is homeless people wash their feet, but often they have to put dirty socks back on. While surprisingly simple, new socks are gold to homeless people because they feel good and help defend from several health problems. As one woman put it, brand new socks are “snuggly and comfy.”
Another reason to give out socks is it feels good helping somebody else. Sometimes when I’m feeling down or a little depressed, I will fill my backpack with a couple of bags of socks and go hand them out to homeless people and make some new friends. My problems don’t go away, but I gain a new perspective that helps me deal with life. I guarantee when you’re giving other people the gift of brand new fresh socks, you’re going to get all kinds of amazing responses back .
There’s a lot of different ways that you can hand out socks. You can, like me, carry socks in your backpack. Maybe carry a couple of pairs in your purse or in your briefcase. You can keep a couple of pairs in your glove box for when you’re at that exit ramp, and there’s a homeless person, and maybe the light turns red and it’s a little awkward. Take that awkward moment and turn it into something beautiful by handing the homeless person some socks.
The number one question I get is, “What kind of socks do I give away?”
The only style of sock you should buy is men’s white crew socks. Don’t buy the “no-shows.” Don’t buy tube socks. Don’t buy ankle socks. And don’t buy black socks. People prefer white socks over black socks. Occasionally I will take black socks and white socks with me and give people a choice; 99 out of 100 times a homeless person will choose, “White socks.”
I also recommend Hanes socks. Hanes is a wonderful, comfortable sock at a fantastic price. There’s a lot of buy one give one brands out there. But for the cost of one sock from one of the buy one give one brands, you can buy 12 pairs of Hanes socks. That means you can give out six pairs of socks and keep six pairs if you wanted. Or you can give out all 12 pairs of socks for the price of 1 pair of the BOGO socks.
In full disclosure, Hanes occasionally hires me as a consultant and Hanes donates socks to Invisible People, but I am not being compensated for this post in any way. I am doing this because Hanes is the best sock for you to buy to give to homeless people.
I want homeless people to have socks. I want them to have quality socks, so that’s why I recommend Hanes.
My next tip is safety first - If you don’t feel safe, don’t engage with someone. Now, this is not just homelessness. We live in a really scary world. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t go down that street. If you don’t feel comfortable when somebody tries to panhandle, don’t engage and give them socks. You have to feel safe and comfortable wherever you are.
I try to give every homeless person two pairs of socks. Sometimes that’s not possible. If I walk into a group that’s rather large, then maybe I’ll go down to one pair of socks. If the group is way too big, I may not even give socks at all, because when I went to school the teacher said, “If you don’t have enough gum to give to everybody in the class, don’t bring it out.” I go by that rule.
Last, but far from least is have fun. Some of the most amazing moments of my adult life have been out on the streets with a backpack full of socks making new homeless friends. Helping somebody in crisis with something so simple as a pair of new socks makes you feel grateful for what you have because when you hand them new socks, you’re going to see an amazing smile, shouts for joy, and you’re just going to go, “Wow. My life. I was upset about this today, and this person is happy just because they got new socks?”
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#homeless #socks #charity
Just got done spending $150 on socks and other stuff like nail clippers and mini shampoo bottles, chapstick, toothbrush/paste, etc... First time I've ever done this, and it is a lot of money for a young kid like me lol, but I totally get it man. To make someone's day a little bit better with this sort of stuff, it goes a long ways. I wish everyone would jump on board. If anyone reading this hasn't tried something like this yet, give it a try! :)
Regardless of how these people got out on the streets, regardless of if it was drugs or just a crappy situation, it doesn't matter! You are STILL making their day that much easier. No one wants to be on the streets, maybe drugs took control of their life, whatever the situation is, you are making it that much easier for them to live and get through the rough times. Bad times can happen to the best of us.
Great job!! ❤
Jason, the reward is far greater then the money spent, give and it shall be given unto you. I'm going to do the same thing. You are a caring person.
Jason, You are making a difference in the world..continue on.
good man
I was homeless for almost 6 months my self. However I was lucky and found a job that eventually enabled me to get off the street. During the time I was homeless I took a man who was sleeping next to me at a local shelter to Costco. I needed a few things myself and bought him six pair of crew socks. He almost broke down and cried. He said, nobody ever gave me socks before. Once we were outside he took off his old socks and put a new pair on. Giving socks may seem like a small thing to some people, but the reality is it makes a huge difference to the people living on the street. Thank you for posting this video Mark.
G_d bless you. You are a very strong human being,much respect. Continue on..
How To:
1.) Buy Socks
2.) Give Them
Yup - that simple!
True. However, there's more needed than "buy socks, give them" approach. II appreciate how you emphasize having some social perception when interacting with people. You make them feel valued as you visit with them about something that's personal to them (i.e. bike, nice hat, etc.). You emphasize quality socks. Some people who mean well just hand the socks out and don't engage with the person they're giving them to. They buy bargain socks (which are almost an insult since those things deteriorate within a week) since they've never had to use their feet as the primary source of transportation. They don't bother to think about the wear and tear. I help with some grass roots groups in the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley (Washington state). You're right. There's plenty of food to go around but socks and human interaction aren't always as readily available. Thank you for sharing your tips and video. You're a kind person.
Unless they are donated? 🤔
Your channel has helped me so much in understanding homelessness better. Thank you!! You're doing beautiful, important things.
Thanks for your kind words
You actually have a platform in this world to make a positive change in this world. Continue on..Great job!!!
Omgosh I do the same thing. I carry new socks in my trunk for homeless. I started doing this a couple of years ago..
I live in a major city and, of course homelessness is an issue here.
I'm excited to start doing this, thank you very much for the informative video and don't stop doing what you're doing!
Ear Ooze same here 😍
Mark, you are the embodiment of Christmas spirit. The better side of humanity. Thank you 🙏
When I travel, I saw homeless people, I want to do a little something to help them. But don’t really know what’s small and helpful that I can do. Now thanks for your caring for them, I can carry socks with me when I travel now. You are a brave and lovely wise man, made this world a much better place.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Although I've had an apartment for more than 10 years, I've been giving socks, yoga mats, and hygiene items for 10 years. The socks are truly appreciated after the rain. My friends that travel bring me the hygiene pack from the hotels they stayed at-they save room in a backpack and usually have sewings kits, etc. Clean clothes and socks should be a human right, not a human wish.....
I agree 100%
You're doing a beautiful thing..continue on...
I love this .. Mark you ARE THE MAN.
Mark ...you’re amazing sir
Yes love that guy
Thank you for the "how to" video. And thanks for all you do to serve people in need.
Thanks for your kind words!
good idea also because winter here in Germany is hard
Hast Du mittlerweile Dein erstes Pärchen an Socken verschenkt?
Your a good Guy Sir ! God Bless You
This is such a great idea! I’ve often wanted to stop & talk to people in these situations, but I don’t have anything to give them & I’m currently having financial problems myself so I never have money. This is perfect because it’s something that everyone can always use & it’s definitely needed:-) Thank you 😊
I will keep my ears and my mind open to the ideas of others.
I always enjoy your videos. Especially how you put a face and story to the homeless.
+50 Hats thank you!
Wonderful video. You should do a how-to on what to put into a care package for giving to the homeless.
Thanks. I may.
Did you make the care package video?
@SethTheWicked A toiletries care package - Bar of moisturizing soap bc of the harsh elements, hand sanitizer, 2 washcloths (if possible), solid deodorant, lotion, shampoo/conditioner combo, toothbrush, toothpaste, small comb & brush (if possible) or just a comb, a couple pairs of crew socks. Food care package - a couple bottles of water (don't need to be put in package for space reasons), trail mix, peanuts, peanut butter crackers, a small pop-top can of fruit, juice boxes, dried meat, dried veggies, dried fruit (banana chips, raisins, cranberries, cherries, etc.), protein bars, low sugar breakfast & granola bars, small boxes of cereal or buy a large box and break it down into sandwich size ziplock bags. Try to stay away from high sugar cereals, although cheap, not good for those living on the streets. You can mix a sugary cereal with a no sugar cereal like Fruit Loops and Plain Cheerios. Hope this helps. Thanks for caring enough to do something to help.
love what you and your people do brother,
this kindness is inspirational
I don't see any ads on your channel sir. Please monetize it to get more money and keep up the good work.
I'm happy to see a sole like you ❤️
I’m going to buy at least 20 pairs tomorrow.
What a great idea!
How about travel packs of wet wipes so feet can be cleaned for the socks❤
Do it! Great idea
Effin genius
I just started doing the care packs a few weeks ago and I had heard socks should be a part of this. You are right every time I offer socks I get the best response. I have learned to use my spider sense as over the last few years of giving out water and such I have learned that some folks want to be left alone.
Never stop, you have a great atitud! Congratulations
I never really thought that socks were so important to homeless people. Now I understand. Next time i go to the store, i will buy socks, pads for the women etc. Remember, we are all one paycheck away from being homeless too! God Bless The man who makes these videos, Invisible People, to spread the awareness of homelessness! Thank you sir.
Great how to video mark! Been binge watching your channel over the past several days. It would be great to have a how to video on how to engage with these people - how to properly respond to their story if they open up to you. Most interactions with homeless people is quite awkward and I don’t think it has to be.
I'm homeless and this is spot on. I am blessed to own a pair of Danner Fort Lewis Go-Devils 10 inch Goretex sewn on Vibram soles made in Oregon. They are rock solid protection for my feet and 110% waterproof. These are my prized possession and make my life better everyday. Worth every penny of 400$. Hanes are great and I could definitely use some more with the New England winter around the corner. God Bless Friends!
Let me say thank you for the work you've done so far, I may not be able to help you, but your works may inspire a lot others, thanks
saggaf 5410 ....you can help just by spreading the word...🙂
Love this idea! Agree on the Hanes too.
God bless you Mark!
Love this video format!
Thanks for the great information. I'm looking to help people in my city and your information was priceless!
Awesome video! I will definitely be stocking up on Hanes men's white crew socks to start handing out. Where I live, homelessness is growing... I love the work you do. Thank you
Dude, you're super awesome. Thanks for everything you do.
Loved it!!! I mentioned you and this video on my vlog.
Send me a link please :)
Bless everyone who does this!
Giving out socks blesses them but it touches our hearts so much to know we are making a positive difference in their life
Your a good man, great job.
I love this idea! I want to assemble a few care packages and keep them in my car.
So I can go down to the dollar store and buy a bunch of tooth brushes and tooth paste, bars of soap, socks and what else. I can make up little grocery bags of this stuff and hand them to people. That was a question but I turned into a statement. I have a 6'-2" son I can take with me. I'm not skeered. 😊
Thankyou Nancy for your kind works. Continue on...
I will be buying my first Hanes white crew stocks. Tomorrow. I’m going to start doing this as often as I can. Thank u Mark. God bless u Mark u are a special man. God bless you. I will regularly do this. I see homeless persons on the streets all the time. Thank u so much for this tip.
Awesome and good advice I always feel bad and wish I could do something.I often hear people say don’t give them money.Its always nice to have an alternative.
It's OK to give money. I wrote about that here byrslf.co/giving-money-to-homeless-people-is-okay-41361adfe2fa
i love the way you care for other people !!!!!!!
Great noble Work..
Thank You Mark , I love you so much ,
Mark, I have been following your great works for a long time, I think that I am going to help you out here, I am going to get ahold of Guinness World Records and have them look into how many socks that you have given away, if they would put you into their World Records, then there will no doubt be someone that wants to beat your Record, then there will be somebody who wants to beat that persons Record, then, we need somebody to do the same with coats & jackets, then go a step further on who can house the most Homeless. God Bless you Mark.
just ordered 20 pairs....its a start-i usually buy food and dog food if they have a dog....uk newcastle...here we go
I do the exact same thing. I keep socks and gloves in my truck and keep handing them out - I have spent $100 this year.
That's so cool I'm homeless and I always need socks
Stay strong Tammie. Good things are happening for you even now.. Continue on...
Me too Tammie. Greetings from New Haven Connecticut sister!
Ive been looking for ways to help my local homeless population and would love more ways that i can help without giving them money and without being offensive. I would love for more videos like this and more basic things that could really help these people out in a practical way
Great video brother
keep up the amazing work
clean dry socks are so, so, so awesome ... I believe this is one of the best gifts
im going to do this for now. thanks for the tips
Great video! Very inspirational and you're probably right that "no one has handed out socks to as many homeless people in as many cities and countries as I have". You're the sock king, man. Respect! Q: What are the preferred sizes? Hanes uses 6-12, 10-13 and 12-14. What's the best choice in your experience? Thanks for sharing. 😊
I was homeless for only a week but it was terrible, I'm lucky to have great friends who really helped me out. I'm still not doing well financially but this seems like an affordable idea that can really make a difference in somebody's day. My grandma and I give out mitts and hats during the harsh Canadian winters- but this is something I can do all year round!
Yes Mark! Please do teach us how to duplicate what you are doing.....this was a great learning tool, I'm headed out to buy socks!
Thanks for this
This was a great idea and a great video! I'm going to start doing this immediately including underpants, possibly Kotex/ tampons. (Perhaps I will carry a blue bag and a pink one.) Thank you for the simple but wonderful idea! 😊
Amazin inspirational. TNX A LOT!!!!
Thank you
OOOOhhhhh I wanna do this. I think my son, daughter and I will do this together. My son is autistic and people treat him like he's 'misbehaving' and look at me like 'control your child'. Ignorance is mega annoying. I love this, thanks Mark, You rock and this vid was very cool and informative. Yes we like it and yes we'd like more :D knowledge is power. Peace yo! Big Texas Love to ya man!
I love you - thanks so much
Why I am in tears wathcing this vid?
Emergency mylar blankets & umbrellas, shoes, soap (the little travel size handsoap or body wash bottle).
People can lose their feet to gangrene! It’s huge to give clean socks. I still believe we need to force all the people on the street into long term rehab through conservatorship - they are a clear danger to themselves and their communities and exhaust our funds being out on the street without care - but socks should be a human right to have regardless.
Surely black socks are better for the dirt though.
Nice. I was putting together backpacks with stuff in them like socks, snacks, a warm hat, wet ones and such but I wonder if I'm trying to do too much. I also don't know how it'll be received. They might have half the stuff already. Maybe I'll just carry a backpack with socks and snacks in it and pass them out. Then if I run into a person with a torn or old backpack, I give them the pack too.
Awesome video, I think I'm gonna start keeping some Hanes in my car!
Great video!
Yes, more how-to videos please!
I want to make up kits of toiletries etc. I was going to do whatever I have in my own shaving kit. Any advice would be appreciated.
Should I use travel size or full size?
I don’t want to use ziplock bags because it might turn into trash when empty, so I was going to get tote bags or little shaving bags or something more durable and reusable. Any thoughts on this?
Thank you!
Thanks for this info. I provide water, snacks to people but now I will get some socks also.l,
Yes
Lambs Wool socks are best
I’m in AZ., I’m on disability and I don’t drive due to blindness, can you or someone tell me how I can go about donating to the homeless,
I have a lot of clothes that I know ppl could use I just don’t know how to get it to them. I use to donate to V Vets but would love to help the homeless.
Mens size 10-13
Female 6-8 (teens n small footed females) & 9-11
So glad I know this I’ll be keeping a bunch in my car.
Why do they prefer white socks instead of black?
Tonight I bought 12 pairs of socks and I look forward to giving them out.
Wow! Thanks for sharing.
I got my husband socks for Christmas he doesn’t like them I now know what we’re doing with them we will also attach a 5$ dollar tree gift card with them
Another thing to give out with the socks is baby wipes to clean their feet off
oh yes..
They dont understand but that is very important to matain your feet and yourself i like this ideal
I got abuse from a guy when I gave him socks!
I hadn't noticed his plastic false legs.
God Bless You, sir. I would give them out if perhaps they were given to me at least at a discount.
Great commercial for Hanes... even though you claim it's not. At least it's for a good cause.
If this guy isn't going to heaven, heaven doesn't exist
What size do you all recommend buying?
What size is best to get to fit most people?
I'm going to do that.
Yesss
It's been years since I've seen this and it has less than 18K views? I wasn't expecting that.
Well done, but i would suggest a different colour than white. Lol its hard to keep a clean look
Hanes has different versions. High cotton, or high polyester?
Why white socks ?
thomas
Yeah 🙃
thomas Maybe because its easy to notice when they need to clean em. Idk :P
What size would you recommend??
Have you considered posting a live video where people who are interested in helping the homeless or just being a friend to the homeless can chat with the homeless who are able to access a computer now & then? Some have phones they could get on youtube & we could all chat with each other.
you mean like this: :) ua-cam.com/video/gWgrGRvN7zQ/v-deo.html There is another one where I interviewed a woman that lives in a car and another one that lives in a tent.
Invisible People oh thank you. I just discovered your channel. I just saw on our local news in Amarillo Texas that they're again planning to uproot our local tent City & move it again. I didn't know where it was until I saw it on the news last night so I drove out there this morning. . It's 29 degrees & it looks like there's about 20 or so tents & a few appear to have stoves. There's a large pile of firewood someone has put there , looks like oak, so I'm sure it's donated. We don't have oak trees around here for firewood. There's also a homemade giant cross right in the middle of it. It's called Christ Church New Beginnings Tent City. Please everyone, pray for them, that they may find a permanent settlement here & that our local officials will get a clue & grow a heart for these people instead of trying to run them off or hide them constantly. It's sickening the way people treat them. The same people that will pay $100 to groom their dog are horrified at seeing a tent. It's just disgusting. I detest that selfish mentality.
Invisible People 👍
Socks, TP, and Rosaries! On it!!
What size socks to get
OK, I understand and agree, but I guess there's no real solution to the homeless problem. It's just increasing and it seems nothing is being done. It seems there will eventually be more people homeless than those that have houses.
White men's crew socks, OK. What size is best that I buy?
So women would love to have the Hanes Men's Crew Socks as well? :)
Lojjs Wonder ....I think because they are " basic" anyone can wear, I sometimes wear my sons socks.