Socks for Smiles
In partnership with GLIDE · San Francisco

Warm feet,
warmer smiles.

Socks are the #1 most-requested — and least-donated — item at homeless shelters. We're changing that, one fresh pack at a time.

Give socks now 🧦 Why it matters
GLIDE logo Every pack is distributed by GLIDE in the Tenderloin.
Elia volunteering with a guest at GLIDE in San Francisco
100% of socks go
straight to neighbors
#1
Most-requested item at shelters
8,300+
People unhoused in San Francisco
1 pair
Often the only socks someone owns
$14
Buys a 6-pack of socks for neighbors
Why socks?

A small thing that changes everything

When you're walking the city all day with nowhere to rest, your feet take the worst of it. Wet, worn-out socks lead to blisters, infections, and real pain. A clean, dry pair is dignity, comfort, and health — folded into one simple gift.

🦶

Health & dignity

Dry socks prevent trench foot, blisters, and infection — the most common foot problems on the street. Fresh socks help people stay healthy and feel human.

🧦

The forgotten need

People donate coats and canned food, but rarely socks — so shelters almost never have enough. Socks are the single most-requested item, and they can't be reused between people.

❤️

Warmth that's felt

A new pair of socks says someone noticed you. It's a moment of comfort and connection — and that smile is exactly what this project is for.

Elia in front of the colorful GLIDE 'Unconditionally' heart mural
Our story

Meet Elia & the Socks for Smiles mission

Socks for Smiles is led by Elia, who spends her days volunteering on the floor at GLIDE — serving meals, walking alongside guests, and getting to know the people our city too often walks past.

Again and again, she heard the same quiet request: "Do you have any socks?" GLIDE has served the heart of San Francisco's Tenderloin with unconditional love for decades. Socks for Smiles is our way to add to that mission — turning your donation into fresh socks placed directly into the hands of neighbors who need them.

No overhead games, no warehouse. You give, we buy socks in bulk, GLIDE gets them onto real feet.

Be part of it 🧦
How it works

From your click to their feet

1

You give

Choose a pack and check out in one click. Takes less than a minute.

2

We buy in bulk

We pool donations to buy quality socks at the best possible price — more feet, fewer dollars.

3

GLIDE delivers

Socks go straight to GLIDE guests in the Tenderloin — and the smiles come right back.

Ready to put a smile on someone's feet?

For $14 — about the cost of lunch — you can give a whole 6-pack of warm, dry socks. Will you give a pack today?

Donate socks now 🧦