#GoingToBat Community Spotlight: David Robertson
When David Robertson isn’t on the mound for the White Sox, he spends his time working with his foundation – High Socks for Hope.
Robertson and his wife, Erin, founded High Socks for Hope in 2011 after a tornado devastated his hometown of Tuscaloosa, Ala. Originally founded to support victims of natural disasters, High Socks for Hope has spread its mission to helping the homeless, disabled veterans and families in crisis.
The Homeless Veterans Program assisted Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs to fully furnish 50 transitional housing units at Valor Grove. The complex, which opened in 2014, provides a safe place for veterans to live while transitioning from life in the military to civilian life.
Beds were the first items purchased for the Homeless Veterans Program; however, Robertson and the Foundation are also furnishing living rooms and dining rooms.
High Socks for Hope has also implemented a weather safety program to improve awareness about severe weather. The foundation distributes Weather Backpacks – filled with weather radio, batteries, basic toiletries, first aid kit and miscellaneous items -- at weather awareness events in the communities impacted by the 2011 tornadoes in Alabama.
The foundation’s reach has grown beyond Alabama and has furnished more than 150 homes in New York following Hurricane Sandy, 25 homes in Oklahoma and Texas following a 2013 tornado and eight homes in Illinois following another natural disaster.
Currently, Robertson and High Socks for Hope are raising funds to help families affected by the February tornado in the Alabama towns of Aliceville and Pickens.
The funds raised through the High Socks for Hope website will help with building supplies and basic household items for families who lost everything.
Major Leaguers are #GoingToBat for causes near and dear to them, as they personify the Players Trust’s motto to ‘care, act and inspire.’ To learn more about the charitable interests and activities of David Robertson and other Major Leaguers, please click here.
