At John’s Crazy Socks, we believe that a pair of socks can do more than just keep your feet warm—they can spread happiness and make a difference in the world. From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: to spread happiness and show what people with differing abilities can achieve. But there’s another aspect of our business that’s equally important to us: giving back.
John says the keys to happiness are gratitude and doing for others. That’s why we created our Giving Back program which we baked into everything we do. From day one, we pledged five percent of our earnings to the Special Olympics and our commitment has only grown as we have added many charity partners like the National Down Syndrome Society, the Autism Society of America and United Cerebral Palsy.
Today, we’re proud to say that we’ve donated over $750,000 to our charity partners, thanks to the incredible support of our customers. And as John says, we’re just getting started.
You are part of our Giving Back program. Every purchase you make supports our donations. When you become our customer, you become a philanthropist.
The Heart of Our Mission: Giving Back
When John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his father Mark X. Cronin founded John’s Crazy Socks in 2016, they wanted to create a business that not only offered fun, colorful socks but also made a positive impact on the community. They knew from the start that giving back would be at the core of everything they did.
But what does giving back really mean to us? It’s about more than just writing checks. It’s about using our platform to raise awareness, support important causes, and make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s through direct donations, fundraising campaigns, or collaborative projects, we are committed to supporting organizations that align with our values and mission.
Supporting the Special Olympics: A Cause Close to Our Hearts
One of the first charitable initiatives we embraced was supporting the Special Olympics. This cause is especially meaningful to us because John is a Special Olympics athlete as are many of our colleagues and Mark is a coach for the Special Olympics. John joined the Special Olympics at age five and competes in soccer, basketball, snowshoe and track and field. And every year, John participates in the Polar Plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics.
John knows firsthand the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes from participating in these games. If there were no Special Olympics, there would be no John’s Crazy Socks.
The Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy. It’s an organization that empowers individuals, promotes inclusion, and celebrates the abilities of people with differing abilities.
At John’s Crazy Socks, we donate 5% of our earnings to the Special Olympics, helping to fund programs that change lives. But our support doesn’t stop there. We’ve also created Special Olympics-themed socks, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the organization. These socks not only raise funds but also help spread the message of inclusion and the power of sports to unite us all.
The Viscardi Center: Promoting Inclusion and Empowerment
Another organization we proudly support is The Viscardi Center, a nonprofit dedicated to educating, employing, and empowering people with disabilities. Founded in 1952 by Dr. Henry Viscardi Jr., who himself wore prosthetic legs, The Viscardi Center has become a leader in disability advocacy and services, helping people of all ages and abilities achieve their full potential.
Our partnership with The Viscardi Center is rooted in a shared commitment to promoting inclusion and demonstrating what people with differing abilities can achieve. One of the ways we support this incredible organization is through our All Abilities Crew Socks. These socks feature a vibrant design that celebrates diversity and inclusion, with a portion of the proceeds going to The Viscardi Center.
But our collaboration goes beyond fundraising. Leaders from John’s Crazy Socks and The Viscardi Center have worked closely together, sharing best practices and learning from each other. We’ve also turned to The Viscardi Center’s Digital Accessibility Services team to ensure our website is accessible to all, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity in every aspect of our business.
In addition, John has had the honor of speaking to students and program participants at The Viscardi Center, sharing his story and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. John was even named a winner of the 2022 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award, a recognition that highlights his contributions to the disability community.
Through our partnership with The Viscardi Center, we’re not only raising funds but also building a more inclusive world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.
The Guide Dog Foundation: Supporting Independence and Mobility
In April 2024, we reached another milestone in our mission to give back by introducing the world’s first pair of Braille socks. These innovative socks were designed to raise awareness about the Braille alphabet and to support the Guide Dog Foundation, a nonprofit that provides guide dogs free of charge to individuals who are blind or have low vision.
The Braille Crew Socks, which feature the word “Inspire” written in raised Braille lettering, were created in collaboration with Holly Connor, a blind and autistic student was a winner of our 2023 Autism Can Do Scholarship contest. Holly’s design was not only a testament to her creativity but also a powerful statement about the importance of accessibility and inclusion.
For each pair of Braille Crew Socks sold, we donate 10% of the proceeds to the Guide Dog Foundation. This organization has been providing guide dogs to those in need for over 75 years, helping individuals gain independence, mobility, and companionship. The costs associated with breeding, raising, training, and placing a guide dog can exceed $50,000, but the Guide Dog Foundation provides these services completely free of charge, thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters.
Our partnership with the Guide Dog Foundation is particularly meaningful because it aligns with our commitment to accessibility and inclusion. We believe that everyone, regardless of their abilities, should have the tools and support they need to lead fulfilling lives, and we’re proud to contribute to this mission through our Braille socks.
Wheels on Fire: A Celebration of Abilities
In addition to our work with the Special Olympics, The Viscardi Center, and the Guide Dog Foundation, we also support a wide range of other initiatives that align with our mission. One such initiative is the Wheels on Fire socks, a design that celebrates the power and possibilities within everyone, including people with physical disabilities.
The Wheels on Fire Socks were designed by Erin Bonner and her son Bear, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and uses a power wheelchair. Bear lovingly refers to his wheelchair as his “race car,” and the design reflects his love for speed and adventure. These socks feature a fast-moving wheelchair shooting out flames, symbolizing the energy, strength, and determination of individuals with physical disabilities.
We donate 10% of the proceeds from the sale of the Wheels on Fire Socks to The Viscardi Center, further supporting their work to empower people with disabilities. This design not only raises funds but also spreads a powerful message of inclusion and celebrates the abilities of all individuals, regardless of their physical limitations.
How Your Purchase Makes a Difference
When you buy a pair of socks from John’s Crazy Socks, you’re not just adding a fun and colorful accessory to your wardrobe—you’re making a real difference in the world. Here’s how your purchase helps us spread happiness and support important causes:
- Direct Donations: A portion of our earnings goes directly to our charity partners, including the Special Olympics, The Viscardi Center, and the Guide Dog Foundation. These donations help fund programs that empower individuals, promote inclusion, and provide essential services to those in need.
- Awareness and Advocacy: Many of our sock designs are created specifically to raise awareness about important issues, such as the Braille alphabet, physical disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. By wearing these socks, you’re helping to spread the message of inclusion and advocacy.
- Employment Opportunities: More than half of our employees have a differing ability, and your purchase helps us continue to provide meaningful work opportunities for people who are often overlooked by traditional employers. This not only supports our employees but also helps change perceptions about what people with differing abilities can achieve.
- Community Engagement: We believe in the power of community and strive to engage with our customers, supporters, and charity partners in meaningful ways. Whether it’s through special events, collaborative projects, or speaking engagements, we’re committed to building a strong, inclusive community that spreads happiness.
- Inspiration and Hope: Every pair of socks we sell is a testament to the power of creativity, inclusion, and giving back. By supporting John’s Crazy Socks, you’re joining us in our mission to inspire others and show what’s possible when we come together for a common cause.
Join Us in Spreading Happiness
At John’s Crazy Socks, we’re more than just a sock company—we’re a movement dedicated to spreading happiness, promoting inclusion, and making a difference in the world. Our charitable initiatives are a key part of this mission, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support of our customers, who make it all possible.
We invite you to join us in spreading happiness by choosing socks that not only bring joy to your life but also support important causes. Whether it’s a pair of Special Olympics socks, All Abilities Crew Socks, Braille Crew Socks, or Wheels on Fire socks, each purchase you make helps us continue our work to empower individuals, promote inclusion, and give back to the community.
Together, we can make the world a happier, more inclusive place—one sock at a time.
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 $750,000 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.
