Carson Ball, FFA Chapter President
North Carolina FFA Chapter Creates a Project to Help the Unhoused
A single act of kindness has sparked a nationwide movement, with FFA members from North Carolina taking it upon themselves to help thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness. What began with one donation has now become an extensive service project that reaches far beyond the state’s borders, supporting homeless communities in both North Carolina and Indiana.
It all started with Carson Ball, a dedicated member of the South Iredell FFA chapter. Carson’s father worked at a sock manufacturing plant that was preparing to shut down. Before it closed its doors, Carson asked if he could receive any remaining stock. The plant agreed, and he was given over 30,000 pairs of brand-new socks.
Carson was determined to make a difference by distributing the socks to individuals experiencing homelessness in North Carolina, handing them out right on the street. But that was just the beginning of a larger mission.
Living to Serve: From One Donation to Nationwide Outreach
The South Iredell FFA chapter, inspired by Carson’s selflessness, took up the cause. With a partnership from the Wilson Brown Sock Company, they received all 30,000 pairs of socks. The chapter made it their mission to distribute these socks to those most in need, beginning with the local homeless shelter, Fifth Street Ministries in Iredell County, North Carolina.
As part of the "Living to Serve" initiative, FFA members delivered 25,000 pairs of socks to Fifth Street Ministries, which serves the homeless population of Iredell County and surrounding areas. This project demonstrated how something as simple as clean, warm socks could bring comfort and dignity to those in need.
The efforts didn’t stop there. After delivering the socks to the shelter, the chapter organized the remaining pairs into a store-style setup to help local law enforcement, children's shelters, and other community partners pick out the items they needed most. The South Iredell FFA chapter’s teamwork and coordination ensured that the resources were distributed efficiently and directly to those who could use them.
Service Beyond North Carolina: Expanding the Impact Nationally
The South Iredell FFA chapter wasn’t content with helping just locally—they wanted to make an even bigger impact. After completing the delivery to Fifth Street Ministries, the chapter decided to expand its service to Indianapolis, Indiana. In collaboration with several organizations, including the 5th Street Ministry, local women’s shelters, EMS, and firefighters, they set out to reach more people.
At the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, FFA members assembled care bags filled with socks and other essential items. These care bags were then personally delivered to individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the city. This national outreach truly embodied the FFA motto of "Living to Serve."
Teamwork and Community Partnerships: The Heart of the Project
The scope of the project was massive, requiring extensive collaboration and hard work. FFA officers, members, and alumni loaded and unloaded two trailers four times to transport the socks from North Carolina to Indianapolis. As one participating officer noted, “It was hard work, but every trip reminded us why we were doing this. Knowing how many lives will be touched made every load worth it.”
The success of this project wasn’t just about the number of socks delivered but the way it brought people together. It demonstrated the power of community partnerships, with local law enforcement, shelters, and other organizations working side by side with FFA members to ensure the socks went where they were most needed.
Carson’s Vision and Impact: Leading by Example
Carson Ball, who has been a member of FFA since his freshman year of high school, has learned invaluable lessons through his involvement in this service project. “Face-to-face with someone in need” was his biggest experience, he said. The hands-on nature of the work has fueled his passion for expanding the project even further.
“I want to make it an even bigger process to reach more people,” Carson explained. His dedication to serving others is evident in his leadership role within FFA and his ongoing work at his family’s restaurant. Carson is also considering attending North Carolina State University in the near future.
Carson’s advice to others is simple: “To help those in need, it’s a great feeling. Just getting out there and doing something, no matter how small it may seem, makes a huge difference.”
The Ripple Effect: FFA’s Commitment to Service
The South Iredell FFA chapter’s “Living to Serve” project is a shining example of how young people can make a lasting impact on their communities. From their work in North Carolina to their outreach at the National FFA Convention, the chapter has demonstrated that one simple act—like donating socks—can spark a movement that reaches across state lines.
With every trailer loaded, every bag packed, and every pair of socks delivered, the South Iredell FFA chapter has proven that leadership, teamwork, and service go hand in hand. As Carson and his fellow FFA members continue to expand their outreach, the ripple effect of their kindness will surely continue to touch thousands of lives, one pair of socks at a time.
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