At John’s Crazy Socks, we’re all about Spreading Happiness and sometimes, and last week we spread happiness by unveiling a very special sock design created for the Long Island Rail Road’s (LIRR)Tracks safety campaign and their S.O.C.K.S. initiative that teaches students how to stay safe around trains. 

A Safety Campaign with Socks 

The LIRR’s S.O.C.K.S. (Saving Our Communities by Keeping them Safe)  contest invited students across Long Island to design artwork that would help raise awareness about rail safety. From thousands of entries, three students were chosen as winners—representing grade school, middle school, and high school.

We were proud to help bring their designs to life by creating custom socks that amplify their safety messages. Our team worked closely with LIRR safety leaders to develop multiple versions of the socks for each winning design. And here’s a standout feature: the socks include non-skid raised train tracks on the bottom, a fun and functional touch that reinforces safety in every step. 

A Celebration at St. Aidan’s 

The excitement peaked at St. Aidan’s School, where the winning middle school entry by Marielle Benedetti was officially unveiled. The eighth grader's artwork was transformed into a pair of socks distributed to her entire class. At the event, John Cronin, our Co-Founder and Chief Happiness Officer, joined LIRR President Rob Free and safety officials to celebrate Marielle’s achievement and emphasize the importance of train safety. 

“It helps the community be more mindful of safety and rules,” said Marielle, echoing the very spirit of the T.R.A.C.K.S. program—Together Railroads and Communities Keeping Safe—which reaches over 100 schools each year. 

John congratulated the young designer and posed for photos with students, staff, and LIRR officials. As always, he brought his trademark energy, charm, and love for socks to the event. 

“I loved Marielle’s creativity,” said John.  

Why This Partnership Matters 

When the LIRR approached us about making custom socks, we didn’t hesitate. Their team said they were drawn to John’s Crazy Socks because of our shared mission of reaching communities, celebrating inclusion, and making a real difference. 

LIRR Chief Safety Officer Lori Ebbinghausen said it best: “They just fit with our mission.” And we couldn’t agree more. 

We believe socks can do more than warm feet,  they can spark conversations, honor creativity, and even save lives. This collaboration is just one more way we’re using socks to connect people and promote good. 

What’s Next? 

As the LIRR continues its safety education across Long Island, we’re excited to see these socks on students’ feet—and even more excited about the conversations they’ll start. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and sometimes, the simplest reminders are the most powerful. 

To Marielle and all the students who participated: Thank you for using your creativity to protect your communities. And to our partners at the LIRR: we’re honored to work with you. 

Let’s keep Spreading Happiness—and Safety—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 the 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 of their employees have a differing ability, and their  Giving Back program has raised over $800,000 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.