Life Socks/Socks = Life

01/30/2023

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/benefield-one-mans-quiet-mission-to-give-socks-to-the-unhoused/?artslide=0&fbclid=IwAR1pWS_e8PTY4x1uZg152VyOylCVDonTl41jPP-xGUVTJ8jMfFCTSYeMAFU&mibextid=tejx2t

Ray Tilton knows what it’s like to live on the street, so he knows what it’s like to try to keep clean, dry socks on your feet. He’s out on the street to help.

12/17/2022

Sock Chronicles:
I went with my friend Brian to Coscto early this am to be there when they opened. It was FREEZING and I knew of some unhoused people there who I regularly see on my walks and sock walk weekends.
A particular husband and wife couple that I try to get socks to at least twice a month were there in the usual place. I took extra warm wool women's and men's just in case. She was the one in the median this cold morning, hovered over and practically frozen, barely able to lift her head to ask for money or food.
I ran out and handed her several pairs and asked about her husband. She pointed to a hovering, shivering spouse off to the side near their "home". I gave her a bunch of extra thick, really warm wool ones for him. She looked up with tears and thanked me with blessings. The husband is the one ALWAYS out there with the signs for money or food, keeping his wife safe and away from the risks of traffic. I can only think he must not have been well to allow her to be out there on this cold, cold morning........sigh
I wish I could do more as I reflect on my own cold nights alone out there in the dark so many years ago.
I have come to know some of these unhoused people and I can tell you that this is such a frigid climate they are ALL enduring. Thank you so much to those who have donated such amazing, quality, thick, warm wool socks.
I'm making a special holiday request for socks, socks, socks!!!! Due to the unprecedented need right now I am increasing my outreach to 3 days a week and will be handing out much more than my usual 20 pairs once a week.
If you are so inclined you can direct ship socks or send easy to use gift cards to:
Ray Tilton
306 Mendocino Ave. #604
Santa Rosa, Ca 95401
and of course always like and share the page.

Of course you can always like and share the page too

12/07/2022

Below is an explanation of the “Life Socks/Socks = Life” campaign that is currently underway. The positive response and feedback has been overwhelming!! Please consider supporting this by donating new or like new socks!

….. “For those of you new to the page here's my story for doing this.

Years ago when I was homeless, socks were like gold. Without a way to wash and maintain them, they were often worn to shreds and did not help with the very crucial issue of keeping feet healthy.

So as a result of being homeless I hoarded socks. Earlier this year I decided to get rid of all those socks. I was going to donate them and then decided to do something different.

I walk A LOT for my health and always encounter the unhoused on many of my paths. I started taking a bag of socks with me and gave them out directly. Of course it didn't take long to run out of socks.

I devised a plan to launch this campaign and ask for donations. I calculated that if I could get 1000 pairs of socks I could hand out bundles of 2 each@ 20 pairs once a week. 1000 pairs would give me enough to do so for an entire year.

The response was overwhelming and within a month I had reached my goal.

Now on my "sock walk" days, as I approach I hear "the sock man is here". This is such a vital service and the one on one connections and stories have become a gift I never expected.

So now, during the holiday season and needing to re up my stock so as to not run out I am asking for donations once again, with a goal of 500 pairs which will extend and ensure continued outreach for a year. The goal is to never run out.

Please consider donating through direct shipping or easy to use gift cards and send to:

Ray Tilton
306 Mendocino Ave. #604
Santa Rosa, Ca 95401

Or

Tommy Nickerson
226 Brush St
Alameda, Ca 94501