While volunteering at the student-run C.D. Doyle clinic, social work junior Lu Tran noticed that socks were frequently listed on donation requests. He decided to create Socks for the Sole, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises funds to purchase socks and donates them to organizations that serve Austin’s homeless community.
“None of the nonprofits have a steady sock supply, and I felt like that was a need we could fulfill as students,” Tran said.
In fall 2017, the nonprofit raised money to reach their goal of purchasing 500 pair of socks. And then a donation from local company Sock Club doubled their inventory. Tran hopes Socks for the Sole inspires other students to think about how they can make an impact now.
“We have all of these resources at UT, and we should do something. If 10 people can raise money for 1,000 pair of socks in one semester, then imagine if 5,000 students got together,” he said.
