Blessings for Your Soles
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Blessings for Your Soles: Providing Comfort, One Step at a Time

ByLaura Stotland

Blessings for Your Soles is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to delivering socks and footwear to vulnerable populations across the United States and internationally. Their mission extends to the homeless, veterans, children’s hospitals, senior long-term care facilities, and at-risk youth, ensuring each person they serve receives proper footwear for protection, comfort, and joy. 

Founded on a passion for service and inspired by real-life experiences, Blessings for Your Soles operates on the belief that something as simple as new socks or shoes can change a life. From preventing foot injuries in those living on the streets to boosting a child’s self-esteem, their work is grounded in compassion and community impact.

Blessings for Your Soles

2nd Annual Gala in Torrance

Mark your calendars — Blessings for Your Soles is hosting its biggest fundraiser of the year, the 2nd Annual Gala, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Torrance. Guests will enjoy a plated meal, drinks, and a limited bar, along with a silent auction, opportunity drawing baskets, and a 50/50 drawing. The event also features photo opportunities, goodie bags, and the chance to connect with fellow supporters while raising funds toward the organization’s $30,000 goal. Business casual attire is requested.

How to Support the Mission

There are many ways for the community to get involved with Blessings for Your Soles: host a sock or shoe drive, become a monthly donor, partner or sponsor an event, or volunteer as a “Solemate” to assist with sorting, inventory, and distributing socks and shoes, or help at community booths and events.

Blessings for Your Soles

Who They Serve

Blessings for Your Soles focuses on populations with unique needs: the homeless, providing proper footwear to prevent injury and infection; veterans, offering support through quality shoes and socks as they transition to civilian life; children’s hospitals, delivering cheerful, themed socks to brighten a child’s hospital stay; senior care facilities, supplying non-skid socks and safe footwear to improve comfort and reduce fall risks; and at-risk youth, boosting self-esteem and confidence with new shoes.

Local Drop-Off Locations in Redondo Beach

BFYS accepts new socks only and gently used, cleaned shoes (no heels or open-toe shoes). Current drop-off points include:

  • Resurrection Lutheran Church – 330 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA 90277 and Holy Branch of Olive –
  • South Bay Galleria Mall, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd. #220, Redondo Beach, CA 90278.
  • Businesses interested in hosting a collection bin can contact BFYS directly at info@blessingsforyoursoles.org.
Blessings for Your Soles

A Mission Rooted in Compassion

The vision for Blessings for Your Soles began when founder Janet Buettner witnessed the struggles of the homeless in Los Angeles. Over time, her dedication expanded to include veterans, children, seniors, and at-risk youth. With the encouragement of her sister, Lynne, the organization was officially launched, driven by faith and a shared commitment to serve those in need.

Get Involved Today

From donating socks and shoes to attending the annual gala, every action helps Blessings for Your Soles make a difference in the lives of others. To learn more, get involved, or purchase tickets for the 2nd Annual Gala, visit blessingsforyoursoles.org or follow @blessingsforyoursoles on social media.

Laura Stotland is the founder of Local Anchor and the Local Anchor Foundation, a passionate community builder dedicated to uplifting the South Bay of Los Angeles through storytelling, connection, and local impact. A lifelong Angeleno with deep roots in the South Bay, Laura brings a background in media and entertainment from companies like Disney and iHeartMedia, blending creative strategy with grassroots action.

Laura is a recognized expert in digital marketing, local outreach, and community-driven campaigns. She’s the force behind beloved initiatives like Project Holiday Helpers, South Bay Camp Fairs, and Taste of South Bay. She frequently moderates community panels and networking events focused on small business growth, nonprofit development, and the future of digital media.

A mom, marketer, and connector at heart, Laura was selected for the Meta Community Accelerator and previously served three terms as President of the Alliance for Women in Media, Southern California. Through Local Anchor, she continues to create meaningful ways for people to engage, give back, and discover the best of local life.

You can follow Laura on Instagram at @laurastotland and @wearelocalanchor, visit localanchor.com, connect with her on LinkedIn, or join her Facebook communities: South Bay Parents and South Bay Local Insider.