How to give
Pop a Pair in the Box
Giving takes about a minute. Here’s what to buy, where to take it and what happens next.
Three steps
How to donate
Pick up a new pair
Any brand-new pair of warm socks. Multipacks are brilliant if you can stretch to them.
Bring it to school
Look for the Box of Socks poster at any of the six schools taking part.
Drop it in the box
When the boxes are full, every pair goes to Stonepillow to hand out to the people they help.
What to give
The best socks to donate
Please give
- Brand-new socks, ideally still with their labels or packaging
- Thick, warm socks: wool blends, thermal or walking socks are perfect
- Adult sizes, men’s and women’s
- Dark or patterned colours, which stay looking clean for longer
- Multipacks, so more people get a pair
Please don’t give
- Used or second-hand socks, even if they’ve been washed
- Thin trainer or “no-show” socks, which don’t keep feet warm
- Odd socks or single socks
- Other clothing. The box is just for socks, so check with Stonepillow about anything else
Questions
Frequently asked
Why only new socks?
Hygiene. Socks are worn right against the skin, so homeless services can only hand out new ones. That is exactly why they run short: nobody donates used socks, and new ones have to be bought.
Where can I drop my socks off?
In the Box of Socks at any of the six schools taking part this winter: Boundary Oak, Bohunt, Churcher’s College, Portsmouth High, The Gregg and King Edward VI. Look for the poster.
I’m not at one of the schools. Can I still help?
Yes. Ask a friend or family member at one of the schools to drop your pair in, or support Stonepillow directly through their website. You could also bring Box of Socks to your own school. Here’s how.
Can I give money instead?
Box of Socks collects socks, not money. If you would like to give money, please donate to Stonepillow directly through stonepillow.org.uk.
How many pairs can I give?
As many as you like. One pair helps, and a multipack helps several people.
What sizes are best?
Adult sizes. Stonepillow works with adults, so men’s and women’s sizes are the most useful.
What happens to the socks?
When the boxes are full, the socks are collected and handed over to Stonepillow. Their team gives them to people who are sleeping rough or staying in their accommodation.
Spread the word
Tell a friend about the box
The more people who know, the faster the boxes fill. Share boxofsocks.co.uk with your class, your family group chat or your workplace.