Teen & Kid Closet provides clothing to kids in need like foster kids, homeless teens, and indigent children who need basic clothes anywhere from age 0-22. Social workers, school counselers, and others in our community give referrals to teens and children to “shop” at the Closet for free clothes. 



While many of us take socks and underwear for granted, Teen & Kid Closet has an almost perpetual shortage of these basic clothing items. In response to the charity’s continual shortage, Teen & Kid Closet organized the Socktober Dash two years ago. In addition to seeking donations of new socks and underwear, participants are encouraged to don their most crazy and fun socks. WDTL gathered approximately two boxes of new socks and underwear as well as cash donations in support of Socktober Dash.   On October 14, 2017, I put on my patriotic socks, gathered our WDTL donations, and joined well over one hundred people in the second annual Socktober Dash. We could not have asked for better weather in the fall; the bright sun was perfect to warm up the crisp fall air. The crowd was energetic and jovial as the participants and spectators exhibited all sorts interesting and boisterous socks.

The 10k course meanders through the Spokane Valley along the Spokane River, from Mirabeau Park to Arborcrest Winery and back. The 5k is a shorter version of the 10k and features the same beautiful views of the gentle rolling rapids along the river. Overall, both courses are relatively flat and are fun for walkers, joggers, and runners alike.

Thanks to sponsors, participants were fed with ice cream from Ben and Jerry’s and pizza from Papa John’s. Sean Grubb and Aaron Love, board members of Teen & Kid Closet, were excellent to work with on this event. I want to thank our WDTL members and executive leadership who supported our involvement with this event. It was an honor to represent WDTL at Socktober Dash on the same day as our association ran in Seattle at the Defender Donut Dash.