From One Amazon Box to 63,000 Pairs of Hope the Treasure Coast Sock Drive Steps Into Its 8th Year
2026 SOCK DRIVE BY THE NUMBERS
8th Annual Treasure Coast Sock Drive
Jan 1 – Feb. 28, 2026
Over the past 7 years 63,178 new pairs of socks have been collected and distributed to those less fortunate and in need.
25 and growing Charitable beneficiaries
58 and growing Community Partners
www.treasurecoastsockdrive.com
“An Amazon package arrived at my door today and to my delight it was children’s socks from our Amazon Wish List! The first socks of the year,” says, Barry Shapiro, Founder of the Treasure Coast Sock Drive. The official start of the 8th annual Treasure Coast Sock Drive isn’t until Jan 1, 2026. “The generosity of the holiday season gets people into a giving mode for their favorite charities, too.”
Seven years ago, Barry Shapiro set out to support a friend who ran a charity providing food, clothing, and supplies to those in need in New Jersey. Along the way, he discovered that socks are the #1 most requested item by homeless shelters. It made perfect sense—when you’re on your feet all day, socks wear out quickly, and without access to a washing machine, they essentially become disposable.
That first year, Barry asked a few friends to place donation boxes at their businesses and shared a post on Facebook every day. He thought they might collect a couple of hundred pairs, but to his surprise, he gathered 1,000 pairs! He divided them among three charities. People began asking if he would do it again, so the next year, the effort grew—and they collected 3,000 pairs.
From there, the momentum only built. Bill Douglas and Stacy Murto, owners of The Web Wise Guys, joined the team, creating a website and the rest is history. Over the past six years, they’ve collected and distributed more than 45,500 pairs of brand-new socks to the unsheltered and those in need.
“A pair of socks is an easy ask, and our community responded again this year with their amazing generosity,” says Barry Shapiro, Founder of the Vero Beach Sock Drive. In addition to new socks, the Drive also collected and distributed, t-shirts, underwear, flip flops, slippers, gym bags, toiletries, and more, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive support to meet their basic needs.
Adding to the momentum, the HR and Business Leaders Council of Florida, an award-winning philanthropic organization in St. Lucie County, have stepped up again to support the effort. Co-founders Anita Fischer, Tammy Lane, and Sarah Torres have pledged to expand the drive’s reach by adding 10 additional donation boxes throughout the county.
Together, we’re aiming high: our goal is to collect 20,000 pairs of socks. With your help, we can make it happen.
Mark Your Calendar for These Can’t Miss Events!
Thursday, February 5: 3rd Annual Cops and Socks at Coffee House 1420, 8qm-11am
Our Favorite Baristas in Uniform will accept brand new socks and serve complimentary cups of coffee. Sip while you make a difference from 8- 11am.
Saturday, February 14: 4th Annual Treasure Coast Sock Drive SOCK HOP at Walking Tree Brewery, A Valentine’s Dance to Warm Our Community, 7pm -10pm
Rhythms of Professor Pennygoode’s Mighty Flea Circus, Dance Contest & Prizes!
Bring a new package of socks and get a free beer!
CHARITABLE BENEFICIARIES:
The Source, The Hope For Families Center, Gifford Youth Achievement Center, SafeSpace, The Samaritan Center for Homeless Families, The Hibiscus Center for Children, Camp Haven, Our Father’s Soup Kitchen, LifeNet4Families, Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County, The IRC United Against Poverty, Sebastian Women’s Shelter, Camelot Community Care, HAB Center, New York City Relief for the Homeless, Livingston Philanthropies, Salt of the Earth, River Fellowship, First Baptist Church of Vero Beach.
