The 2025 Legendary Sock Drive is underway, and the call is simple: we need men’s, women’s, and children’s socks in all sizes and colors. Socks are among the most requested—and least donated—items for people experiencing homelessness.

The most efficient way to give is by ordering through Amazon and shipping directly to either of the Mercer Island Starbucks locations (Drive Thru or South End). You can also drop off socks in person at either store. Every pair makes a difference.

How It All Began

The Starbucks Legendary Sock Drive started in 2015 after a night volunteering with the Union Gospel Mission Rescue Van, which serves unsheltered people living in encampments near downtown Seattle, including under I-5, in the “Jungle,” and in SODO. On those early outings, a dozen volunteers noticed the first item to run out was socks.

My friend, publisher Ethan Yarbrough (Iron Twine Press), asked if I could use my part-time role at a downtown Bellevue Starbucks to host a drive. With store approval and a simple flyer posted in the office building, the first week brought in 500 pairs of socks.

Since then, the effort has grown every year. The goal doubled annually, expanding into a month-long drive. By 2024, the community contributed over 10,000 pairs of socks, donated to Mary’s Place, Union Gospel Mission, Salvation Army, REACH Ministries, and other service organizations. More than half of those socks now arrive via Amazon shipments to the Mercer Island Starbucks locations, thanks to customers choosing the convenience of drop shipping.

A Legacy of Service

The sock drive is dedicated to my late mother, Jean Snyder, who devoted her life to serving Seattle-area communities, especially vulnerable children in Holly Park. Through her business, Starter School, she provided clothing, food, and medical resources while also creating joyful childhood memories by organizing birthday parties, holiday productions, and safe spaces for celebrations.

Jean’s tireless advocacy during challenging times in the 1970s gave hundreds of families hope and stability. Though she passed in 2017 after a long struggle with vascular dementia, her spirit of service continues through this annual drive.

Join Us

This year marks a decade of community generosity. The Legendary Sock Drive is proof that small acts—like donating a single pair of socks—can add up to thousands of moments of dignity and comfort.