A Community that “Knocks the Socks Off”
Giving, Supporting and Showing Up
by Kimberly Van Ryn
One of the BOSS leaders asked me about a project she had on her heart – a sock drive for people in need. These are the best projects, and over the years we have found that when our participants and staff are interested in something it is worth it to listen to what they have to say.
In the past, this listening to passion projects has led to community beautification initiatives, volunteering at the foodbank, filling the flyers for the Downtown BIA, advocating for accessible space, growing fresh food for the food bank, and more. The projects and initiatives our crew take on are a benefit to themselves as they participate in their community and benefit others as our services fill in gaps and support the flow of the community.
A Simple Idea With a Big Community Impact
The idea was simple: collect new socks, of all sizes, for people in the community experiencing lack of finances, homelessness or other barriers to warm footwear. Our county has lots of other drives, including an underwear collection drive, but, as this leader pointed out, we have no sock collection in our community – so we created one.
Some of the fabulous BOSS volunteers showed up to make bins with the participants and their support staff and these bins were placed around the community at 4 allied spaces willing to host them as sock collection points. Shout outs to our partners at: Mill St. Library, Inclusive Perspectives and Westminster Church! We could not do this without you.
When Community Kindness Spreads
But then something magical happened that we didn’t expect!
People started calling and emailing to say they were spontaneously jumping on board to collect socks at THEIR organizations! The first was our amazing bank – Orangeville Meridian Credit Union, then the IODE Headwaters Fundraising Group offered to collect socks from their membership, a BOSS Community Champion who works for DriveTest put out a collection basket at their office as well! The goodness just kept growing!
This speaks to the ripple effect when we, as humans, chose to do something good for other humans. People notice. People want to join in. People WANT to connect with goodness and here, we can see a prime example of such with something as simple as socks.
The Power of Showing Up for Others
It’s a big scary world out there. It’s a world where not all people have clean dry socks, and we all know, much worse things are happening to them, as well. This is something we all grapple with: the truth that there is a lot of evil, darkness and malevolence to be found very close to home. I will not deny that – it’s a real part of my world too,
But what is the medicine for the brokenness? Clean socks, hot soup, a compassionate ear, an offer for an understanding choice, and a desire to show up to something bigger than oneself.
Maybe it’s a volunteer shift at the food bank, maybe it’s a donation to a local violence against women’s organization, maybe it’s bringing a hot cup of coffee to a shut-in neighbour or donating a pair of socks…. The choice and decision to show up to connection and support of the community – that’s the medicine.
Thank You to Our Community
Thank you to all who have donated socks! We have many and will continue to collect at any drop off point until April 21, 2026. At which point we will distribute all the socks to local organizations like the new HART Hub (Edelbrock Center), Family Transition Place, The Orangeville Foodbank, SHIP and more.
This community stepped up and sure “knocked my socks off” – let’s keep it going and find connection in community.
Onwards,
Kim and the BOSS Team.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Community Sock Drive
What is the Branching Out Support Services Community Sock Drive
The BOSS sock drive is a community initiative collecting new socks for people experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, or barriers to accessing warm clothing. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SOCK DRIVE HERE
Where are the donated socks distributed
The donations of new socks collected through the drive are distributed to local organizations including the Choices Shelter, Dufferin HART Hub, Family Transition Place, the Orangeville Foodbank, Dufferin Food Share in Grand Valley and SHIP.
Why are socks important donations
Socks are one of the most requested items by shelters and community support organizations because they provide warmth, hygiene, and comfort for people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.
How can community members help
Community members can donate new socks at participating collection points, organize their own collection drives, or support local organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness and poverty. You can also order from our AMAZON Wish List and the socks will be directly delivered to BOSS.
Supporting Community Wellbeing in Orangeville and Dufferin County
Branching Out Support Services is based in Orangeville, Ontario and works across Dufferin County and surrounding communities to support neurodivergent adults through choice-based programming, individualized supports, and community engagement initiatives.
Projects like the community sock drive highlight the power of connection, volunteerism, and collaboration between local organizations, businesses, and residents.
Community initiatives help strengthen relationships, reduce barriers, and ensure that everyone in our region has access to care, dignity, and support.
