About – moses

About S.P.I.N.

Bringing warmth, dignity, and hope through the gift of new socks.

S.P.I.N.(Socks for People In Need) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing new socks to people experiencing homelessness and others in need.

100,000+

Pairs of Socks Donated
And counting!

100+

Community Partners
Shelters, nonprofits & schools

A Simple Idea. A Powerful Impact.

Pat Lorenzo began as a school teacher and public librarian, careers built on patience, compassion, and meeting people where they are. In 2011, after moving to Santa Cruz, CA, she noticed something most people overlook: unhoused neighbors were walking miles every day in soaked, torn, or disintegrating socks with no way to wash or replace them. Learning that socks are the number‑one necessity among people experiencing homelessness, she started collecting new socks from friends, churches, and local businesses. That small act of care grew into S.P.I.N., Socks for People In Need.

Today, S.P.I.N. operates across all of Santa Cruz County, distributing thousands of pairs of fresh, clean socks through shelters, outreach teams, and street ministries. Pat dedication has turned a simple idea into a countywide dignity mission. She continues to advocate for foot health, homelessness awareness, and the power of small, consistent acts of kindness, proving that something as humble as a new pair of socks can restore comfort, prevent injury, and remind people they are seen.

Why Socks?

Socks are one of the most needed items in shelters, but they’re the item people forget to donate. A clean and dry pair can help prevent infections, ease discomfort, and make someone’s day a little easier. It’s a small gift that can mean a lot.

Our Mission

To provide new socks to people experiencing homelessness and those in need because everyone deserves to feel warmth, dignity, and hope.

Our Vision

A community where no one has to choose between warm feet and basic needs, and where compassion inspires meaningful change.

Our Values

Compassion in Action: We don’t just talk about people’s needs. We take action and bring socks to those who need them.
Dignity for All: Everyone we serve receives new socks, never used. Because everyone deserves something new.
Community Togetherness: Neighbors, schools, and businesses all play a part in making this work possible.
Integrity & Transparency: What comes in as a donation goes out as a delivery to someone who needs it.
Hope Starts Here: Small, consistent acts of care can make someone’s day a little better.

What People Say About Us

“Partnering with S.P.I.N. has helped us provide one of the most requested essentials to the people we serve. Their donations bring comfort, dignity, and a reminder that our community cares.”

- Shelter Partner

“I chose to support S.P.I.N. because their mission is practical, compassionate, and easy to understand. Knowing that my contribution helps provide warmth and dignity to someone in need makes every donation meaningful.”

- S.P.I.N. Donor

Learn More About the SPIN Program

Watch this interview with SPIN Program Organizer Pat Lorenzo to learn more about the heart behind SPIN and how the program helps bring warmth, dignity, and hope to people in need.