John Cronin, co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks, took an every day item like socks and turned them into it into a thriving business. Today, John’s Crazy Socks is the world’s largest sock store where customers can find socks they love. John applies the same special touch to his everyday routines. Come with us to see how John can turn a regular Saturday into something special.
Finding a Christmas Tree
Being the first Saturday in December, John wanted to bring home a Christmas tree. Reports ran round the town that there would be shortage this year, but that did not deter John. He led his parents to a favorite tree spot, the Halesite Fire Department. There, we found a plethora of magnificent trees and John picked out a beautiful specimen. He helped tie it up on the roof of the car and brought it home, helping his parents carry it into the apartment he shares with them in Huntington Village.
Grabbing an Early Lunch
Buying the perfect Christmas tree can work up a mean hunger, which meant time for lunch. John suggested a new place for the family, Mercato Cucina in Huntington Station, a family run Italian eatery and marketplace. What delicious sandwiches they made chock full of Italian ingredients and made with care.
“I loved it,” said John
Honoring Dee Thompson
The location of the cozy restaurant in Huntington Station gave John the opportunity to visit a newly unveiled plaque honoring his friend Delores “Dee” Thompson for her work in revitalizing the area. Dee recently passed but will be long remembered for the difference she made in the community.
As a child, John would spend afternoons at the community center Dee established in Huntington Station. Sand John has gotten to know Dee’s daughter, Travey Edwards and her grandson, Walter Edwards. John was so happy to see the plaque for Dee.
Getting Supplies for Christmas Cookies
John planned to make Christmas cookies and sweets with his mother, which meant a trip to the grocery store to pick up supplies. They also ventured into Michaels for baking instruments including cookie cutters so they could make Santa and snowman shaped cookies. John loves to help with the grocery store shopping and often will go by himself to do the family shopping.
“Being able to go shopping by myself is an important part of my independence,” says John.
Making Christmas Cookies
John has helped make Christmas cookies with his mother for years. When he was young, John and his mother would travel to his grandmother’s house where Caorl would make cookies with her mother and sisters with John helping out (or at least sampling the cookies). Now, John and his mother make the cookies at home. John loves to learn how to cook and his mother makes a wonderful teacher.
“My Mom is such a good cook,” said John. “And learning to cook is important for me as I want to live on my own and have to be able to make meals for myself.”
The day ended with John and his parents watching a Christmas show and snacking on the cookies they worked so hard to make. It was another wonderful Saturday with John.
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 nearly $700,000 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, TikTok or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
