Why Socktober Matters in South Dakota

At most food giveaways, people come for bread, milk, and produce. But once a year in October, something else happens. Something quiet, but deeply human.

We hand someone a package of new socks, four clean, cushioned pairs,

and they breathe a sigh of relief.

That moment is what Socktober (Sock-October) is all about.

One Day, Four Pairs, Real Impact

Socktober is a one-day event held each October. Thanks to our partnership with Bombas, we can give away thousands of brand-new socks to people who need them most.

We hear this question every year: "Why socks?”

Because for many in our community, socks are not optional. They are essential.

“If I didn’t get these socks, I would’ve lost my feet.”

One of our guests told us this last year.

• They were living in their car.

• They had diabetes.

• They had gone weeks without clean, dry socks.

• Their feet were infected. Their circulation was poor.

If not for that four-pack of Bombas socks, they were told they would likely face amputation.

That gift, the one they nearly cried over, may have saved their feet.

Who We Serve

At the Faith Temple Food Giveaway, many of our guests:

• Sleep in their vehicles

• Camp outdoors in all seasons

• Live in shelters or temporary housing

• Walk long distances every day

• Live with chronic conditions like diabetes, nerve damage, or poor circulation

When you live outdoors or do not have access to regular laundry, socks wear out fast. Replacing them is difficult, especially when food, gas, and medical care take priority.

Why Bombas Socks Matter

Bombas socks are designed with people in mind, especially those facing housing or health challenges. These are not thin or disposable. They are made for real life:

• Moisture-wicking to keep feet dry

• Seamless toes for sensitive feet

• Cushioned soles for support

• Strong enough to last through a South Dakota winter

Guests receive a package with four new pairs, so they can rotate when dry socks are hard to come by.

What Socktober Means

To us, Socktober is more than a giveaway. It is a moment of care, protection, and relief.

• It is the beginning of healing for someone with an infection.

• It is a moment of comfort for someone sleeping in their car.

• It is one small act that says, “You matter. You are seen.”

We give out food every Friday. But during Socktober, we give something extra, warmth that lasts long after the food is gone.

How You Can Help

🙌 Volunteer for Socktober next year

📣 Share this story so others understand the need

At Faith Temple Food Giveaway, we serve out of the overflow of the gift we have received through Jesus. Some days, that gift looks like a box of produce. Other days, it looks like four clean pairs of socks, placed in the hands of someone who needs them more than we will ever know.