Last month, the “Sock It to ‘Em” Campaign—created and led by two amazing members of the RMC—received a national nonprofit award!

Sue Lee and Phillis Shimamoto—founders of the Campaign that provides new socks for men, women, and children experiencing homelessness—were honored in Atlanta on September 15 with the Extraordinary People’s Best Nonprofit Award.

While in Atlanta, Sue and Phillis also met with Sock Ambassadors, visited a Zkano’s sock mill that has provided over 10,000 pairs of socks for the Campaign, and even recruited new local Sock Ambassadors. We are in awe of their incredible work, and congratulate the Campaign on this national honor!

Sue and Phillis are members of First Plymouth Congregational UCC in Englewood, CO, and they offer a challenge to the rest of the RMC: Hold a “No-Socks Sunday” the first Sunday in December. Church members will go sockless to raise awareness of the fact that socks are the number-one clothing need of individuals experiencing homelessness. In addition, they’ll bring new socks to donate, which is encouraged on every Sunday in December.

Churches can then distribute the socks to local agencies serving the homeless, or, they can coordinate distribution by reaching out to Sue (susan@sockittoemsockcampaign.org) and Phillis (pshimamoto@msn.com). Learn more about getting involved by visiting the Campaign’s website and by liking their Facebook page.

We want to reiterate how crucial this mission is. Socks aren’t JUST the #1 clothing need for those experiencing homelessness; they’re also the first line of defense against foot ailments—the top reason why homeless persons end up in the emergency room. With just a little effort each December, you and your church can make a HUGE difference—one pair of socks at a time.