Knock Knock Give a Sock is an organization dedicated to humanizing homelessness, one sock at a time. KKGS not only supplies fresh socks to those in need, but also raises awareness about the individuals experiencing homelessness. Through a unique two-step model, KKGS encourages companies and communities to initiate sock drives, followed by the opportunity to host a “Meet Your Neighbors Dinner.” These dinner events go beyond the simple act of donating socks, creating powerful interactions that foster community connection and help in challenging societal stigmas, while sharing a meal together.
SWK’s Meet Your Neighbor Dinner – 2023
SWK was given the opportunity to host a Meet Your Neighbor dinner in our NJ Headquarters, bringing together 20 SWK Team Members with 20 neighbors from the NYC area currently facing homelessness or residing in shelters. At the helm of this event, Chief Human Resources Officer Selya Stone expressed, “SWK really wanted to make the neighbors that joined us feel special. The goal was to create a warm and inviting space for folks to spend time, share a meal, and connect.”
At the dinner, unhoused members of the local NY community engaged in meaningful conversations with SWK employees at every level, exchanging experiences, values, and anecdotes. As selected speakers highlighted the positive impact of Knock Knock Give a Sock, many SWK employees discovered common ground with attendees on both sides, bonding on shared humanity. These experiences and similarities are what stood out most to those of the SWK team that attended, who conveyed that they would cherish those memories over everything else.
SWK’s One Voice Conference Sparks Fundraising – 2022
At SWK’s second One Voice Conference, a preliminary Meet Your Neighbors Panel was featured, aiming to donate 170 pairs of socks. Deeply impacted, the SWK team formed a collective pledge to donate $10,000 to KKGS. SWK Technologies subsequently matched every dollar donated by employees, resulting in a total fundraising of $20,121. The company also contributed over 200 hygiene kits after the conference, with individual SWKer’s donating another 50, matched by the company with a 3:1 ratio.
KKGS Happy Holiday Carnival – 2022
Knock Knock Give a Sock orchestrates an annual Happy Holiday Carnival in New York City, specifically for children residing in homeless shelters. This festive celebration is packed with a variety of carnival games, interactive activities, an enchanting magic show, bouncing houses and slides, and a visit from Santa Claus. SWK’s very own Patricia Salvia and Emily Chwazik took on the role of hosts for the engaging “Make-Your-Own-Slime” Booth. Reflecting on the experience, Paty and Emily shared, “It was a day filled with fun, smiles, and so many bowls of slime!”