Does Bombas actually donate? and How many pairs of socks has Bombas donated? Since 2013, Bombas customers have donated over 150 million items of essential clothing to people who need it.
Does Bombas live up to its promise of giving back? A Reddit post discussing Bombas’ donation program saw over 1.4K upvotes, showing the public’s curiosity about their impact.
The company claims to donate socks and other essentials to homeless shelters and organizations in all 50 states, with their latest contribution being 57,500 socks for Socktober 2024.
Which City Has the Most Homeless in the US?
Considering cities like New York and Los Angeles house the largest homeless populations 88,025 and 71,320 respectively this mission couldn’t be more vital.
Among 49 major city Continuums of Care:
Donated 15,000 pairs of socks to NYC-based partners supporting hospitals during Nurse Appreciation Week, while maintaining regular volunteer efforts. Achieved the milestone of selling and donating one million pairs of socks within just 2.5 years of launching.
Source: Google
In this article, we’ll break down Bombas’ donation efforts, their impact over 13 years, and whether their claims truly hold up.
Related Article: 9 Reasons Why Are Bombas Socks So Expensive? Quick Answer Await
Table of Contents
Bombas Socks 13-Year Journey: A Story of Giving Back and Growth
People would care much about our product if we didn’t have the mission. the product has to be good, and the mission has to be good. They need each other, and they make each other better.
- Randy Goldberg, Bombas Co-Founder
2011 – THE SPARK
In 2011, Bombas was born out of a simple yet powerful realization socks are the most requested clothing item at homeless shelters.
Co-founders Dave and Randy recognized that clean, new socks were essential for people on their feet all day, without the ability to change or launder their clothing.
The need for dignity, comfort, and foot health inspired them to take action.
2012 – THE DESIGN PHASE
To make a real difference, Bombas needed to sell socks to donate socks.
After researching for two years, they realized that socks hadn’t changed in over 50 years.
So, they set out to engineer the perfect sock.
The name “Bombas” comes from the Latin word for bumblebee, symbolizing the community-focused mission behind their product—Bee Better.
2013 – BOMBAS BEGINS
Bombas launched with a bold goal: to donate 1 million pairs of socks within ten years.
The company introduced the simple but impactful mission—one purchased = one donated.
Their donations went to Giving Partner Organizations, which helped those experiencing homelessness.
2014 – BOMBAS ON SHARK TANK
Bombas appeared on Shark Tank in 2014, where they secured an investment deal with Daymond John.
This appearance was a pivotal moment in their journey, as it provided exposure that helped the company grow rapidly.
2015 – THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF GIVING
The company’s first shipment of specially designed donation socks went to Hannah’s Socks in Ohio.
This marked the beginning of Bombas’ Giving Partner Organizations network, expanding its reach across the country.
2016 – ONE MILLION PAIRS DONATED
Bombas hit its 1 million pairs donated milestone well ahead of its 10-year goal.
Thanks to the growing network of Giving Partner Organizations, Bombas continued to expand, helping more people in need with every donation.
2017 – BUILDING OUR INTERNAL HIVE
By 2017, Bombas earned its B Corporation certification, which reflected its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
The company was also recognized as one of the top companies to work for in New York, while donations surged past 5 million items.
2018 – MAKING NEW FRIENDS
Bombas launched their first collaborations with Sesame Street and Muhammad Ali collections.
By the end of the year, the company surpassed 10 million donations, making a huge impact on homeless communities across the nation.
2019 – THE MISSION EVOLVES
In response to feedback from Giving Partner Organizations, Bombas expanded its donation offerings to include underwear and t-shirts, which were also among the most requested items by shelters.
Bombas continued to focus on everyday products that could make a significant difference.
2020 – SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS
As the pandemic hit, Bombas doubled down on supporting vulnerable communities, donating 40 million products by the end of 2020.
Bombas also sent PPE to Giving Partner Organizations to support them through the COVID-19 crisis.
2021 – IMPACTING OUR FUTURE
By 2021, Bombas had donated over 60 million items.
The company expanded its Giving Partner network to reach even more people across the U.S. and began planning for its international growth, cementing its status as a leader in social responsibility.
2022 – MAKING EVERYDAY GOOD(S)
In 2022, Bombas was recertified as a B Corp and continued to expand its Giving Partner network to assist more unhoused individuals.
The company’s mission remained strong providing quality clothing and making a positive impact in communities.
2023 – THE 100 MILLION MILESTONE
Bombas achieved an incredible milestone in 2023—100 million items donated.
To celebrate, the company launched the Bombas 100 Million Campaign in New York City, raising awareness about homelessness through billboards, posters, and powerful video interviews with people who have experienced homelessness.
2024 & BEYOND – MISSION POSSIBLE
Looking forward, Bombas has donated over 150 million items to more than 3,500 Giving Partner Organizations across the country.
The company’s mission continues to grow, fueled by the support of its customers, as Bombas works to expand its reach and create even more positive change.
Bombas: Year in Review
COVID-19 changed our giving efforts, but it didn’t change our mission.
During the pandemic, Bombas partnered with 1,159 new Giving Partners, donated over 15 million socks, and volunteered 340 hours both virtually and in person.
To bring comfort in more ways, they even sent 180 pizzas to a local family shelter.
March 2020
- We distributed hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to the NYC community.
- Donated 10,000 pairs of socks to support social workers.
- Personally checked in on unhoused neighbors and delivered PPE to our partners.
April 2020
- Joined virtual workouts with A Second U Foundation.
- Held one-on-one Office Hours with Giving Partners.
- Donated 100,000 socks to accompany meal services for public school families.
May 2020
- Collaborated with brands like Cotopaxi and Brooklinen to donate essential items.
- Donated 15,000 socks to NYC hospital-supporting partners during Nurse Appreciation Week.
- Continued volunteering with organizations like The Birthday Party Project.
June 2020
- Donated $250,000 to organizations fighting systemic inequalities in the Black community.
- Partnered with The Ally Coalition to donate socks to the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month.
July 2020
- Hosted a discussion on eviction complexities with Alieza Durham from Princeton’s Eviction Lab.
- Created donation kits with socks, masks, and sanitizer for local outreach.
August 2020
- Provided socks to NYC efforts supporting individuals moved into hotels from shelters.
- Celebrated Human. NYC’s Work Ending NYC’s Subway Diversion Program.
September 2020
- Welcomed Street Dogz, supporting homeless pet owners in Las Vegas, as a Giving Partner.
October 2020
- Learned about challenges facing the Asian American community through Asian Americans for Equality.
November 2020
- Marked a milestone: 40 million socks donated, made possible by our customers and community.
December 2020
- Hosted a webinar on homelessness with experts and those with lived experience.
- Launched our Hometown Giving Initiative, connecting 68 team members to local partners.
January 2021
- Introduced underwear to our product line to meet the #2 shelter request, donating one for every pair sold.
February 2021
- Launched The Black Hive Collection, donating socks to Black community organizations for every pair sold.
Now (And Looking Ahead)
A year later, we feel hopeful and inspired by the progress we’ve made together.
Homelessness remains a challenge, but with your help, we’re committed to making a difference.
Explore our Giving Directory to join us in creating change.
Bombas Socks Donation Request Online
Bombas has over 3,500 Giving Partners across all 50 states, supporting homeless shelters and community organizations.
If your organization is interested in receiving donated socks, you can complete the Bombas Donation Request form.
While they are currently at capacity, submitting this form ensures you’ll be kept in touch as their capacity grows and additional organizations are added.
To get started, simply visit the Bombas Donation Request Form.
What Happened to Bombas Socks After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank and securing a deal with Daymond John, Bombas skyrocketed to success.
The founders, who prepared by rehearsing 200 potential questions, built a brand that now boasts over $1.3 billion in retail sales.
As of October 2023, Bombas remains a private company and is sold in major retailers like REI, Walmart, DICK’S Sporting Goods, and Target.
With its “buy one, donate one” model, Bombas has become the top-selling product in Shark Tank history, proving that comfort and compassion are a winning combination.
How the Donation Model Works
Bombas Donation Process: Step-by-Step
1. Purchase = Donation
Every Bombas purchase equals a donation to a partner organization supporting individuals facing homelessness. The tally updates with each purchase.
2. 12-Month Distribution
Donations are planned and distributed within a 12-month window from your purchase, ensuring the right items reach the right partners at the right time.
3. Product Production
We commit to producing donation products by sourcing yarn, fabric, and factory time to make socks, tees, and underwear.
4. Donation Planning
Our team works with Giving Partner Organizations to understand their needs, including sizes, styles, and quantities required.
5. Timing & Coordination
We ensure donations are delivered when partners can store and distribute them effectively, aligning with their budget for other community needs.
6. Nationwide Shipping
We ship custom donation packages across all 50 U.S. states to our partners, ensuring nationwide coverage.
7. Ongoing Cycle
Once the items are distributed, the cycle continues with each new purchase, creating a perpetual Engine of Goods.
8. Adapt to Challenges
Despite supply chain hurdles, we stay committed to navigating challenges and maintaining consistent support for our partners.
9. Donation Milestones
As of 5/30/24, Bombas has donated over 143 million items, with more than 123 million distributed, with updates provided annually.
Donation Process for Partner Organizations:
Application
Organizations interested in receiving donations apply through the Bombas website.
Vetting
Bombas carefully vets prospective partners based on mission alignment and the core purpose of their work.
Donation Planning
Donation items are planned for distribution within 12 months of the purchase date, and coordinated to ensure proper timing.
Allocation
Our team assesses each organization’s needs to allocate the right quantities of socks, tees, and underwear.
Shipping & Coordination
Bombas handles all shipping logistics and costs, making it easy for partners to receive and distribute the donations.
Follow-Up
We regularly follow up with partners to ensure their needs are met and to enhance the impact of the donations.
Consistent Giving
Bombas is committed to regular, reliable donations to ensure partners can count on consistent support.
Disaster Relief & Humanitarian Crises
A portion of donations is allocated each year for crisis relief, working with partners who have a solid on-the-ground presence and logistics network to distribute products effectively.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Commitment to Community
At Bombas, we don’t just donate socks, underwear, and t-shirts—we give our time and effort in ways that truly matter.
Here are some of our favorite Giving moments, alongside the regular, meaningful volunteer work we do throughout the year.
FEB 28, 2017 – 60K DAY
One night in 2017, over 60,000 individuals were experiencing homelessness in NYC. We knew we had to do something impactful.
So, we brought together volunteers from 60 different companies, paired them with 60 Giving Partner Organizations, and gave each group 1,000 pairs of socks.
Together, we donated 60,000 socks across all five NYC boroughs in a single evening. This wasn’t just a one-time effort.
We still help companies connect with our Giving Partners to make an ongoing difference.
NOV 28, 2017 – GREATEST OF ALL THANKSGIVINGS
On Giving Tuesday, we celebrated our collaboration with the Muhammad Ali Foundation by hosting a community dinner we called the “Greatest Of All Thanksgivings.”
It was a night to remember. We welcomed 120 guests, including individuals experiencing homelessness, community members, Giving Partner Organizations, and business peers.
Together, we shared a warm, family-style meal while honoring Muhammad Ali’s incredible legacy of charity.
MAY 2023 – 100M CAMPAIGN
When we reached 100 million donations in 2023, we realized that our work was far from done. The homelessness crisis has only deepened since we started.
To mark the milestone, we launched a 100M Campaign, aiming to shift perceptions about homelessness and inspire compassion-driven change.
Through 300 media placements across NYC, we shared surprising truths about homelessness, starting conversations that can lead to real solutions.
HIVE GIVING INITIATIVE
Giving isn’t just a corporate mission—it’s personal for our team.
Through our Hive Giving Initiative, every Bombas team member can choose an organization they care about.
We allocate up to 2,000 pairs of socks to each chosen group, allowing our team to directly support causes that resonate with them.
This program helps us stay connected to current events and community needs in real, impactful ways.
ROOM TO GROW
Since 2022, Bombas employees have volunteered over 130 hours with Room to Grow, an organization dedicated to helping families in need.
Our team sorts and organizes donated items to keep their baby boutique running smoothly.
It’s hands-on work that reminds us why we started Bombas in the first place to help where it’s needed most.
Bombas’ commitment to the community is more than just numbers it’s about people.
From hosting dinners to donating millions of items, every effort reflects our dedication to making a tangible difference.
We don’t just talk about change; we roll up our sleeves and make it happen. And we’re not stopping anytime soon.
FAQ – Does Bombas Really Donate Socks
Who is Bombas owned by?
Bombas was founded in 2013 by Randy Goldberg and David Heath.
What is Bombas socks’ net worth?
Bombas is valued at $100 million, with a 17.5% stake potentially worth $17.5 million.
How many socks does Bombas donate a year?
Bombas celebrated over 40 million pairs of socks donated as of November 2020.
How much did Damon make on Bombas?
Damon received $200,000 from Mark Cuban in exchange for a 17.5% stake, which could be worth around $17.5 million.
What Sock Company Donates Socks?
Bombas is a sock company that donates socks to those in need.
Is Bombas Paying for this Project to Help the Homeless or is the Customer?
Our customers trigger donations with every purchase, while our Giving Partner Organizations distribute them to those in need.
Who is Bomba’s biggest competitor?
Bombas’ top competitors are Feetures, SmartWool, and MeUndies.
Where is Bombas headquarters located?
Bombas is headquartered at 37 E 18th St, 4th Floor, New York, United States.
Conclusion – Does Bombas Really Donate Socks
In conclusion, Bombas has truly lived up to its promise of giving back, donating over 150 million items to those in need across the U.S. With its mission-driven approach and dedicated customers, Bombas continues to make a significant impact on homelessness.
If you found this post insightful, we encourage you to share it with others who may be curious about Bombas’ giving efforts.
For more on ethical companies and their impact, check out our other posts.
What are your thoughts on Bombas’ donation model? Let us know in the comments below!
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