we can do this! socks + sentiments

Japan:  We all have wondered how we can help.  Donations of money to the Red Cross and the Japan Society are needed, welcome and worthy.  I had an idea to try something else...something we've done before and could do again....and as I was googling to find out how to write *socks* in Japanese I came upon a man who is located in Japan and has already been collecting and distributing socks from his office.  HCIT? 

Please visit his site as he articulates the need for both socks and shared sentiments of support.  Socks For Japan (link).

Let's join Jason and his helpers! 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

On the SocksForJapan site you will see they will assist you in writing your thoughts in Japanese.  See HERE.  To make it easy I've taken some of the messages they prepared and made these printable graphics for you to use, with room at the bottom for your signature.  Each tag is a separate image.  (right click and save or print).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for agreeing to be with me, even when you didn't know what it was!  If you plan on joining in by contributing to my box just let me know and I will save you a spot.  If you would rather make a $ donation toward shipping you can send a check or use paypal.  Every little bit will help.  A large flat rate priority box to Japan is $55.  Any excess I receive will go to Jason to help him at his end. 

If you decide to begin your own collection let me know and I will start up a reference page announcing locations so we can spread the word.  This is Jason Kelly's initiative and I appreciate that he is able to make this happen at his end.  It is something I believe in and simply want to support the project, and obviously, the people in Japan.  Warm feet and warm hearts.  Love that, don't you?  Let's send the message that They Matter.  Thank you.

 

Comments

[Carrie]

Awesome. I am totally on board with this.

[Sarah]

great idea, will definitely send some, the message tags you made are great, the last one made me cry

[Suzanne McCarthy]

Yes, I'm in! I'll get a package together with socks, notes, and a contribution toward postage (or to forward to Jason if you get more than needed) and ship it out to you soon. How cool that you made the connection with another Kelly for this wonderful way to reach out to the people in Japan! Thanks for sharing this opportunity to help!
(I have a friend whose son and his wife live south of Tokyo. I haven't heard if they're OK, but they live in a city on the coast that might have been sheltered somewhat from the tsunami by a peninsula between it and the ocean.)

[TJ]

Michelle, you are amazing to not only find something that's do-able, but encouraging everyone else to do it too. Those notes you made had me crying too...

[Jane]

Michelle, a lovely idea. My check is on it's way to you. The tags are wonderful - and so are you!

[michelle ward]

*happy dance*

[stephanie]

Michelle - HCIT! Happy to contribute and participate. Any idea if children's socks are more or less needed? I could get my son's school involved. Thanks.

[Chris]

What a great idea. Yes.

[Nancy]

I've been trying to think of a way to help in a more personal fashion than just giving money... HCIT! I'm off to buy socks and will send them on to you in plenty of time. Thanks for taking this on, big hugs for your efforts

[michelle ward]

Stephanie - socks of all kinds are needed. Getting your son and school involved is a great idea!

Thanks everyone!

[kelly]

You. Are. Awesome.
Seriously. Awesome.

[Kelly Olson]

Jason Kelly? That is way too much of a coincidence. What a great idea.

[Michelle]

Great idea - I will see what we can get together Down Under!

[linda warlyn]

Yes, my first thought too...another Kelly with a heart of gold and giving. A wonderful idea that I'd love to be a part of. oxox

[Lorri Scott]

Funny how I was just thinking I need to buy myself new socks since mine either have holes in them or are mismatched. When I am sock buying I could easily pick up an extra pair or three to send to you to add to your care package. I like this idea. Is anyone collecting clothes or know of how to get clothing to these people? Thank you so much for posting this Michelle, and I thank my sister for alerting me to this blog post!

[Kim Mailhot]

I love you, Michelle Ward.

Off to Target for some sockies !

[KathyL]

Michelle,

This weekend I am going to get socks and pack according to instructions and send them to you. Will let you know when they are in the mail. Thank you for opening this up to the art community at large.

Kathy

[Eileen Sottovia]

You are the best, Michelle! Would love to help.

[Chris]

I've referred this to some friends who knit. I'm assuming knitted socks are good, too? they would love to knit some.

[JeriAnn]

Leave it to you, Michelle, to find a way to share the love and be awesome. Awesome! Now that I'm done weeping at this beautiful gesture, I'm off to Target. Expect socks from me. I'm thinking cute girl socks to cheer up a sad child and keep her toes warm. My only question -- when you say wrap in plastic, will a baggie do? And by size, do we mean US sizes?

Thanks again, Michelle. So glad that the Kellys are helping spread the love!

[brenda]

I just saw your blog about the sock collection. I will be sending you some socks this week to your PO box. What a great idea.

[betsy harting]

Thank you for organizing this, Michelle! I will send some socks and thank you for the beautiful sentiments! Betsy

[Carmen]

i will absolutely send some socks in your way
i am also interested/want a house kit (like Pam's video in her blog)
thank you
and bless your heart

[Gez]

Michelle this is a wonderful idea. Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention. I will definately get a parcel together :) to send from the UK. Off to follow your link & find out more & hopefully advertise it on my blog too..