At John’s Crazy Socks, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is one of our most important charity partners. One way we support the National Down Syndrome Society is to donate a share of our Down syndrome-themed socks and products to support their work. John met with NDSS CEO and President Kandi Pickard last week to deliver our latest donation.
Why the National Down Syndrome Society?
Our founder and Chief Happiness Officer, John Cronin, is many things: an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, an athlete, a dancer…and he also has Down syndrome. John makes the point to tell people, “Down syndrome never holds me back.” In his business and on his own, John advocates for the rights of people with Down syndrome.
It is only natural that John’s desire to stand up for the rights of people with Down syndrome would lead him to the National Down Syndrome Society, the leading human rights organization for people with Down syndrome. Founded in 1979, NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key area:
- Resources & Support
- Policy & Advocacy, and
- Community Engagement.
John says, “I love NDSS. They make a difference for so many people.”
John’s Crazy Socks and NDSS
John and John’s Crazy Socks supports NDSS not only through our donations, but in many other ways. In 2019, John joined the Board of the National Down Syndrome Society.
John and his father, Mark X. Cronin, are part of the NDSS Ambassador’s Program and Mark serves as the Captain for New York team at the Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference. John and Mark participate in the advocacy and lobbying program supported by NDSS. Recently, John and Mark celebrated with a table full of colleagues at the NDSS Gala.
John’s Crazy Socks held an event to promote and educate people about ABLE Accounts and were joined by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. NDSS co-sponsored that event. In fact, NDSS was instrumental in getting the initial ABLE Account law passed.
Down Syndrome Awareness Socks
John Cronin designed and created the world’s first Down Syndrome Awareness Socks in 2017. Since that time, John has designed many new Down syndrome-themed socks and products, including throw blankets so that John’s Cray Socks now has a full line of Down Syndrome Awareness products. John’s favorite socks are the Down Syndrome Super Hero Socks. Come holiday time, John’s Crazy Socks creates a holiday Down Syndrome Super Box that has products made by companies led by or employing people with Down syndrome.
We donate money from the sale of those socks and products to the National Down Syndrome Society.
John’s Crazy Socks offers a Buddy Walk® sock that raises money for the Buddy Walk® Program. John never misses the NYC Buddy Walk®. John’s Crazy Socks also sponsors a Buddy Walk Fundraising Program that helps local Buddy Walk organizers raise money.
In addition to donations from Down syndrome-themed products, John’s Crazy Socks has helped sponsor the NYC Buddy Walk and donates design a sock with John for auction at the annual NDSS Gala.
About the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
TheNational Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. Founded in 1979, NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy, and Community Engagement. Within these focus areas NDSS engages in various activities, events, and programs on topics that are critical to our community such as federal and state advocacy and public policy, health and wellness, education, and employment. NDSS creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan and hosts awareness and engagement events throughout the country including the National Buddy Walk® Program, the Times Square Video presentation and New York City Buddy Walk®, Racing for 3.21 on World Down Syndrome Day, Run for 3.21, DC Golf Outing, the annual NDSS Gala & Auction, and various other events. Visitwww.ndss.org for more information about NDSS.
About the National Buddy Walk® Program
Since 1995, the National Buddy Walk Program has been the premier Down syndrome awareness, advocacy, and peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world. It was created by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for local and national incentives to support the Down syndrome community. Today, roughly 150 Buddy Walkevents take place in cities across the country and in select international locations. To learn more and find a Buddy Walknear you, visit www.buddywalk.org.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $550,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
