Socks for Seniors

Nonprofit Socks for Seniors Oklahoma has been enriching the lives of seniors and veterans in Oklahoma City-area nursing and assisted living homes since 2013. They deliver Christmas gift bags to those who might not otherwise receive a gift, bringing them joy and a sense of belonging during the holiday season.

Founder Sue McMillan and a friend delivered 127 pairs of socks to three local nursing homes during their first holiday season, meant to make the recipients feel remembered and special. Staff informed them that for some residents, this would likely be the only Christmas gift they would receive. This impactful experience inspired McMillan to create the organization and expand the number of recipients.

The heartfelt response from the recipients so touched McMillan that she has used her business administration background to solicit sponsors year-round, and the number of volunteers has grown significantly. During the 2024 holiday season, Socks for Seniors OK delivered gift packages to 2,257 senior citizens, including 502 veterans.

“This nonprofit’s mission became my passion,” McMillan said in an interview while working their booth at the Second Half Expo in October. “This has grown so much that we must thank Morningstar Storage and Gate Keepers Storage for their generous donation of space. It may sound strange to point this out in an interview, but they allow us to store inventory and to work on the bags year-round.”

This program, aimed at seniors and veterans who have limited family interaction and are at risk of feeling forgotten during the holidays, quickly developed into a well-received 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Many merchant sponsors in OKC have donated space in their stores, allowing customers to make direct donations.

Volunteers assemble holiday gift bags filled with personal care items. The organization relies on donations from the community and now many local businesses to fill the bags. Many community business sponsors recognize that by providing a simple, thoughtful gift, Socks for Seniors OK brings joy, comfort, and a reminder to seniors that they are valued members of the community.

This aid is provided to residents in underserved nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the OKC metro area, as well as in Norman, Guthrie, Kingfisher, and Hennessey.

Now, bags contain essential and comforting items, such as socks (especially diabetic socks), gloves, scarves, toiletries, lap blankets, and activity books.
Socks for Seniors OK relies on volunteers for many tasks throughout the year. To get started, readers can contact the organization directly through their website. They can express their interest in preparing items for the gift bags, including pairing socks, sorting donations, and delivering donation baskets to local businesses.

Readers can volunteer or donate year-round to Socks for Seniors OK by contributing their time, sending monetary gifts or gift cards, or donating specific items from their wish list. The best time to begin volunteering this year is in November, but the organization accepts donations year-round.
The busiest time for volunteers is the week after Thanksgiving and the first week of December, when the gift bags are assembled and delivered to local nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Financial donations enable the organization to purchase items in bulk, often at more favorable prices. These items —such as socks, gloves, and toiletries —are then used to fill the gift bags for seniors and veterans. Readers can mail a check or gift card to Socks for Seniors OK, 3240 W Britton Road, Ste 103, Oklahoma City, OK 73120.

“People in nursing homes are being fed and cared for in warm environments, for which we are thankful, McMillan said. “But there is more to life than just being fed. We want them to know they are loved and cared for.”

Their website provides a PayPal account for online donations. They need donations of new socks, particularly diabetic socks. Toiletries five ounces or smaller, including hand lotion, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lip balm, and deodorant, are accepted.

Again, they solicit comfort items such as gloves, scarves, caps, and lap blankets. They also seek puzzle books, playing cards, and small notebooks and pens. Readers can find the organization’s current gift list on Amazon by searching for “Socks for Seniors OK”.

The best way to coordinate dropping off a large donation is to contact the organization via email at [email protected] to ensure someone is available to receive it.

Local businesses can participate by donating and displaying donation baskets or sponsoring an employee donation drive.
For the 2025 holiday gift drive, the donation deadline for Socks for Seniors OK is December 1. Donations should be dropped off at their Oklahoma City location by this date. The seven management volunteers will then be busy packing and delivering the gifts to residents.

For info on donating or volunteering, visit www.socksforseniorsok.org