In 2004, Hannah Turner was helping serve dinner to the needy at Toledo's Cherry Street Mission. In the middle of the hustle and bustle of doing her part to fill plates, she tugged on her mother Doris' sweater. "Mommy, won't his feet be cold?"
Hannah’s Story
Hannah was one of eight adopted children of Doris and Vic Turner and she and her family regularly participated in volunteer work, giving back to the community in Northwest Ohio.
On a chilly Thanksgiving Day in 2004, 4-year-old Hannah Turner was helping serve dinner to the needy at Toledo's Cherry Street Mission. In the middle of the hustle and bustle of doing her part to fill plates, she tugged on her mother Doris' sweater. "Mommy, won't his feet be cold?"
Hannah had focused on a man in line wearing shoes that had split open to reveal he had no socks on, and her small face reflected concern. Doris tried to reassure her: "His shoes will keep his toes warm." She didn't know how they could help with all the staff focused on the meal, and she didn't want her daughter carrying a burden.
Hannah—too smart, too big of heart ‚— was unconvinced.
"Mommy, he can have my socks," she said.
That next day, Doris took Hannah to purchase and distribute socks to local shelters. Doris and husband Vic quickly discovered that of all the materials donated to shelters, new socks and undergarments are given the least and needed the most. They created Hannah's Socks with the goal of addressing that problem.
Initially, they were able to collect and donate over 100 pairs around Toledo. Almost 20 years later, Hannah's Socks annually provides over 55,000 pairs of socks; restoring dignity, one pair of socks at a time.
Giving Partner Bombas
Bombas donates essential clothing to Giving Partners – from homeless shelters to community organizations – in all 50 states. Bombas is a comfort focused sock and apparel brand with a mission to help those in need. One purchased = one donated, always, and forever.
Did you know?
-
Socks do much more than prevent your shoes from rubbing and blisters from forming on your feet. They provide an ideal environment by aiding in temperature and moisture control.
-
Wearing socks not only keeps your little feet secured and stable, but it also helps with foot development. Wearing socks helps with normal growth of little feet and encourages the development of grasping sensation in their toes.
-
7,041 are individuals. 3,304 are families. 643 are youth under the age of 25. In the 2021-2022 school year, Ohio had 21,586 students experiencing homelessness. Stats from education.ohio.gov
-
As of May 16, 2023, the average annual pay for the Homeless Person jobs category in Ohio is $43,235 a year. The average family size is 3.03 people. 19.30% of those families in Ohio are living below the poverty line. Stats from namecensus.com/demographics/ohio
Partners that receive socks
Beach House
Bethany House
East Toledo Family Center
Family House
Findlay Chopin House
FOCUS
Harbor House
House of Emmanuel
Immaculate Conception
Madera Project
Naomi House
Pickett Family Hub
People Feeding People
Sparrow's Nest
Springtime of Hope -Akron
Water for Ishmael
It all began with an idea.
Most people walk an average of four miles a day, but our homeless neighbors average ten—a painful difference.
•
Hannah's Socks annually provides over 1,000,000 pairs of socks.
•
Most people walk an average of four miles a day, but our homeless neighbors average ten—a painful difference. • Hannah's Socks annually provides over 1,000,000 pairs of socks. •
