What a way to start the New Year! The Joy of Sox®, a nonprofit that gives joy to the homeless by giving them new socks, donated 1,916 pairs of new socks on January 2nd to Prevention Point and JeffHOPE.
Prevention Point is a wonderful organization that among other things runs a needle exchange program for the homeless and needy. Their mission is to reduce the harm associated with substance use and sex industry work by promoting health, empowerment and safety while advocating for humane public policies and programs.
JeffHOPE is a student-run organization of Sidney Kimmel Medical College that aims to improve access to health care for the homeless and underserved population of Philadelphia, as well as to educate students, residents, and faculty members about medical issues, homelessness and poverty. They runs six clinics for the homeless in Philadelphia, including one for Prevention Point.
Pictured at 3rd and Girard Ave in Philadelphia with boxes containing 1,916 pairs of new socks for the homeless are (l-r) Clayton Ruley, Director at Prevention Point; Taylor Charest, 2nd year medical student at Sidney Kimmel Medical College & JeffHOPE coordinator; Tom Costello Jr, Chief Sock Person, The Joy of Sox.
This is a great example of the collaborative work The Joy of Sox does to serve the homeless.