No, the photo above is not an apocalyptical scene after 9/11 in New York. But if you can get by the “shock” of seeing fellow humans live like this and look closly at the upper right corner of the photo, you’ll see a blue sign that reads “Frankford Line (Blue Line).” No, not in New York, but rather in the Kensington section of Philadelphia.
That’s a little more than an hour from my home. But light years away from the way I live. The photo really upsets me. And even Photoshop could not remove all the tragedy from the scene. So, although I’m not able to fix the homelessness problem. Perhaps there is something I can do to make their days a little better. Maybe even put a smile on their faces (at least for a while).
Yes, I’m talking about giving them new socks. You knew that was coming.
I’ll let the next two photos speak for themselves.
New Socks Made Him Smile
OK, this is better. See what happens when you give someone something they desperately need but rarely get – a pair of new socks!
He’s at a corner of East A St in Kensington.
New Socks Made Her Smile
Here’s a woman in McPherson Square Park in Kensington. Many of her possessions are on that blanket. She was delighted to get new socks.
On the left is Patrick of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He was given out socks for us.
Notice our purple bag of socks!
There must be magical in what we do because something as basic as a pair of new socks make people smile. A Lot!
If you’re interested in getting involved with either your time, talent or treasure, the team at The Joy of Sox® and the homeless we serve would really appreciate it. And I bet it would put a smile on your face. 😎
The Joy of Sox® is a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of giving joy and health to those experiencing homelessness by giving them new socks. Their vision is to be the most effective sock charity in the United States and to give every person experiencing homelessness in America six pairs of new socks every year. Since being founded in 2010 they have distributed over 945,472 pairs of new socks to those experiencing homelessness primarily in the Philadelphia area, but also in 34 states and thirteen countries. For more information please visit their website, and/or contact Tom Costello, Jr, Chief Sock Person and Founder: mail, or cell 610-745-1075.
