Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily West.
Hi Emily, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Gospel Socks started in 2017 when I was 11 years old. I went on a choir trip to San Antonio and saw how many homeless were there. At that age – it opened my eyes to a bigger problem. I left that trip thinking about ways I could help. I brainstormed and did a little research with my family. We found out that socks are one of the most needed items in homeless shelters. Not only did I want to provide the physical need of socks, I also wanted to share the hope we have in Jesus as well! That was when the idea of Gospel Socks was born! We started donating new socks to Beautiful Feet Ministries in downtown Fort Worth. Each pair of socks we donate has a sticker with the Gospel, which is the good news of who Jesus is. We share this through a Bible verse on the sticker and a QR code that points the reader to more resources. Our volunteers and different organizations come together and have “sock parties,” where we put stickers on all the items. Since 2017, we have expanded our partners, including OurCalling in Dallas, Metro Relief, and Love and Light Ministries. Through working with these amazing organizations, we learned that backpacks and boxers/underwear were also among the most needed items. Gospel Socks started donating new boxers/underwear and backpacks while sharing the Gospel. Gospel Socks has been all around the world, even to Puerto Rico, Africa, and Japan. We have been able to help foster children and hurricane victims as well. To date, Gospel Socks has donated over 125,000 pairs of socks, over 13,000 boxers/underwear, and over 1,000 backpacks.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We have had a lot of help over the years, including over 1,000 people who have stickered socks, delivered items, or donated to make it all possible. Our part is relatively easy due to the overwhelming generosity of our volunteers.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a senior at Central High School in Keller ISD. I am involved in our choir department where I am the secretary and one of the show choir managers! I am also a part of National Honor Society. I spend lots of time babysitting as well. I am very active at my church, Fellowship of the Parks. I frequently serve on the media team, and I love it! I am planning to attend Dallas Baptist University in the fall of 2023. One of the things I’m most proud of with Gospel Socks is that with the help of many people we’ve been able to offer hope through something as simple as a basic physical need of socks, underwear, and backpacks. We’ve also been able to help provide volunteer lockers, pallets of water, and a shade structure for OurCalling.
What matters most to you? Why?
My relationship with Jesus matters most to me because it gives me purpose in life!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gospelsocks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gospelsocks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gospelsocks/
