Renfro Corporation Supports Copper Sole and Socks for Heroes Partnership to Help Soldiers in Afghanistan

MOUNT AIRY, N.C., Oct. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Of all the basics that U.S. troops on the battlefield need the most, clean socks are high on the list, says a leading military support group.

"Clean socks are as important as food and ammunition to an infantryman," said Jim Hogan, who with his wife Carla started the Socks for Heroes program in 2011 to help provide a much-needed item to Marines stationed in Afghanistan. Through donations from such companies as Renfro Corporation, they have shipped 128,000 pairs of socks to Marines and Soldiers in Afghanistan. 

To help the Hogans serve more soldiers with new socks, Renfro Corporation, a global leader in the legwear industry, is launching a pre-holiday offer to benefit the military.

For every pair of Copper Sole socks that is purchased through its website www.CopperSole.com between now and November 18, 2012, Renfro will donate a pair of Copper Sole socks to the Socks for Heroes program.

The Copper Sole brand was chosen because it provides many benefits that an infantryman appreciates.  Copper ions are woven into the fabric of the sock, helping to eliminate odor-causing bacteria.  The socks have a reinforced cushioned sole and smooth toe seam that provide exceptional comfort against tough boots. They wick moisture away from the skin to keep the feet drier. Copper is a mineral found naturally in the body. The copper ions help the body feel energized and can repair damaged skin.

Because infantry soldiers spend an average of 10 hours a day on their feet doing multiple patrols and are stationed in places where laundry facilities (and often water) are in short supply, a clean pair of socks can make all the difference to their well being, said Hogan.

"Many soldiers who don't have access to laundry facilities say that a fresh change of socks will often give them a temporary feeling of cleanliness until they reach a place where hot showers and clean clothes are available," said Hogan. "For the Infantryman, socks are the perfect gift or item to include in gift boxes sent to soldiers on a regular basis."

"It has been Renfro's privilege to help Socks for Heroes provide socks to our dedicated U.S. Marines and Soldiers who serve so faithfully in Afghanistan. We look forward to helping Socks for Heroes send thousands more socks to the troops to provide the comfort that Copper Sole gives to tired feet," said Andrew L. (Bud) Kilby, CEO and President of Renfro.

About Socks for Heroes

On August 26th, 2009, two Marines and a Naval Chaplain appeared at the door of Carla and Jim Hogan, to inform them that their son LCPL Donald J. Hogan had been killed in Helmand, Afghanistan.

Based on the kindness shown to them by their son's Commanders and the Marines he served with, the Hogans wanted to give something back.  When their son's unit prepared to deploy again, they asked the Marines "What can we send you?" The answer? Socks! 

Starting with a single shipment of 220 pairs to their son's former platoon on May 20, 2011, Socks for Heroes was born.  Since that time, the Socks for Heroes program has shipped over 128,000 pairs of socks (more than 10 tons) to Marines and Soldiers serving in harm's way in Afghanistan.

Socks for Heroes is a "Care and Comfort" project of the San Clemente Marine Corps Support Group (SCMCSG) that focuses on caring for Marines and their families.  SCMCSG is a "Mom and Pop" charity.  The Hogans take no salaries and employ no paid staff. 100% of their donations go toward socks, supplies and shipping.

Renfro Corporation has been a strong supporter of this effort since March 2012.  To-date, Renfro has donated more than 16,000 pairs of socks that have been shipped directly to Marines.

For more information about the Socks for Heroes project with Renfro, click on www.CopperSole.com

To find out more about SCMCSG, click on http://scmsg.org/sponsors or its Facebook page at http://facebook.com/socksforheroes.  They can also be reached by e-mail at [email protected]

About Renfro Corporation

Renfro Corporation is the global leader in the design, manufacture, marketing, merchandising and selling of legwear products in North America and in selected major international markets. Headquartered in Mount Airy, N.C., Renfro provides a full line of branded and private-label sock and other legwear products and is the licensee for recognized brands such as Fruit of the Loom; Dr. Scholl's; Ralph Lauren/Lauren Polo; Copper Sole; Wrangler; Sperry; Russell; Jerzees; Spalding; Bike; and Carhartt. It owns leading fashion brands K. Bell and Hot Sox.

SOURCE Renfro Corporation