DETROIT – A Detroit nonprofit is donating nearly 4,000 pairs of socks to help provide emergency hygiene kits to people staying in local shelters.
The Motown Sole Foundation, led by Executive Director Dr. Wendy Ringo, is partnering with Local 4 and Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries for the August Go 4 It event, “Hygiene Basics.”
The drive will collect personal care items for individuals and families in need.
Ringo, who also owns the Sugah Please Breakfast Brunch Bar in downtown Detroit, said the foundation has donated nearly 10,000 pairs of socks each year for the past six years.
“Socks are the number one requested item within shelter environments,” Ringo said. “You’d be amazed how a fresh pair of socks makes someone feel.”
The foundation donated 16 boxes containing about 250 pairs of socks each.
The donations will help Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries assemble hygiene kits for people seeking shelter across its facilities, including its men’s shelter in Midtown.
Dr. Barbara Willis of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries said the organization relies on community support to provide basic necessities.
“Basic things like a toothbrush, washcloths, towels, sheets, pillows, pillowcases — all the kinds of things that they need just to be here overnight with us,” Willis said.
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries is partnering with WDIV-TV, Local 4, for the August Go 4 It event. The groups will hold a live community Hygiene Basics Drive from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at 150 Stimson Street in Detroit.
Requested items include:
- Soap and body wash
- Deodorant
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Combs and hairbrushes
- Feminine hygiene products, including pads
- Wet wipes
- New socks and underwear for men, women, and children
- Blankets
- Twin XL sheets
Donors can bring individual items or preassembled kits to 150 Stimson Street on Aug. 19.
Items can also be purchased online and shipped directly through the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries donation page and registry.
“You don’t have to have a lot to make a great impact,” Ringo said.