Karen Holzer never imagined she would win our Annual Valentine’s Day Giveaway. The prize of the Queen-Size Mattress set valued at $2,999 could not have come at a better time. Karen's birthday is in February, but that's not what matters most to her. Her priority is helping her husband, Clark, who is facing stage four esophageal cancer. Most people know Clark by his childhood nickname, Smokey. The cancer forced him to leave his longtime job as a cook at The Swinging Doors , and he retired on December 1. “The bed we have right now is ancient and falling apart," Karen said. "As my husband is currently going through chemo, I think this new bed will be much more comfortable." Smokey's daughter, Annette Guise, nominated Karen for the prize. Here's part of what she wrote, "My stepmom, Karen, has been an incredible source of support for him throughout this difficult journey. A new bed would help make their struggles more manageable and comfortable." Karen’s family was there when she got the call she had won the mattress set. She teared up. Thanks to our loyal customers and hardworking employees, we can help others in our community.

Sometimes, the simplest things can make all the difference and change a life. Just ask Transitions Board Member Sheila Leslie. She heard the call for 16 new mattresses at the Transitional Living Center and answered. Tuesday, the 16 cents, 3 Shoes & 5 Socks delivery truck arrived loaded with new mattresses for the center’s 16 independent apartments. “We can be part of the solution or part of the problem,” said Sheila. “Any way we can help women to be self-sufficient is part of the solution.” “Having all brand-new mattresses is huge and something we've never done before,” said Transitions Development Director Jessica Burke. She remembers Sheila’s reaction during a board meeting when she first heard talk of new mattresses. “She said, I will buy them. All of them,” said Jessica. Both know how critical a fresh start can be. The Transitional Living Center welcomes women and children. The independent living apartments are a safe place for women escaping domestic violence, exiting drug or alcohol treatment, or searching to find a way out of homelessness. “You do not see women who are homeless as often. But it does not mean they are not there. It just means they are hiding, sleeping in their cars, or couch surfing,” explained Jessica. Both Jessica and Sheila believe in fresh starts. They understand too well how many women caught in transition need to feel safe, valued, and on the path to self-sufficiency. “The mission of Transitions is to welcome someone in a clean environment where they feel safe,” said Sheila. “Part of feeling safe is feeling healthy. So, having a new, clean mattress in a good, safe environment gives them a good foundation to solve whatever led them to Transitions in the first place." Thank you, Sheila, for your compassion in supporting women in transition.

Congratulations, Biscuit!! The two-year-old Corgi mix is our July Pet Bed Giveaway winner. Owners Vicki Trefry and her husband of 51 years, Tim, picked up Biscuit’s new cozy sleeping spot yesterday from 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks. “It’s a very nice bed, so soft and furry on top,” said Vicki. “It looks like a mattress. My 21-year-old granddaughter says she’d even sleep on it.” The winning photo captures Biscuit mix lying in a dog bed with his body overhanging the sides.“He’s definitely outgrown his dog bed,” laughs Vicki. “We’re thankful to win a new one.” The couple rescued Biscuit two years ago from her cousin, who thought he was a different breed. “She thought he was a Cocker Spaniel, which is supposed to be hypoallergic, but three of her four great-grandsons ended up being allergic to him,” said Vicky. So, I rescued him from three allergic boys.” The couple, who met at Riverside High School in Chattaroy, are long-time customers of 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, and 5 Socks. They started shopping when the store first opened its location on Francis. Again, Congratulations to Biscuit, Vicki, and Tim! We want to thank everyone who sent a photo of their pets.​

This couple had the winning bid to take home the recliner. All the money helps children in foster care. To help children in foster care, we donated this genuine top-grain leather rocking recliner valued at $999, plus a massive stack of gourmet snacks and beverages to the Embrace Washington Flannel Ball. Congratulations to Melissa and John. They had the winning bid and took home this unique auction item. We're proud to support Embrace Washington . During their Flannel Ball fundraiser, thousands of dollars were raised to help children in foster care.

Annual Valentine's Day Mattress Winner! We delivered Bailey's brand-new Immunity Queen Size Mattress Set valued at $2,999. She was the lucky winner of our annual Valentine's Day giveaway. "I'm very grateful that they can do this yearly," said Bailey. "It gives people a chance to do something for themselves. Like most parents, I put things on the back-burner if it doesn't involve my kids." Winning the mattress was just what she needed. The past few years have been challenging. "In late 2022, I left a really bad relationship. The majority of my belongings were tossed out or destroyed." Due to a work-related injury, Bailey's been out of work for over a year. After three surgeries, the doctors are unsure if she can return to her position as a medical assistant. "When I saw 16 Cents' Facebook post about the contest, I thought it could be an amazing opportunity to get a new bed," said Bailey. "I needed one but didn't have the funds for it. All our extra money goes straight to the kids." Bailey has been sleeping on an old mattress purchased several years ago and is looking forward to sleeping on the new one. "It was hard to believe we won until 16 Cents messaged me," said Bailey. "I'm looking forward to having a new mattress, let alone a whole new set. It's really special. I feel like this is going to be our year."

Best Seats in the Embrace WA Auction House! Thanks to 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks for donating this fantastic auction item for our Backwoods Flannel Ball! A genuine top-grain leather rocking recliner valued at $999, plus a massive stack of gourmet snacks and beverages! Hurry and buy your Backwoods Flannel Ball tickets here: https://www.embracewa.org/ . Every ticket purchased helps a child in foster care.

Isabel's Blessed with A Brand New Bed! In 2021, Isabel arrived at Union Gospel Mission with nothing. Before she came to Union Gospel Mission , she says she "made terrible choices" due to her drinking and the toxic relationship she was in. "I had no direction and left everything I owned behind, including my apartment, belongings, and furniture." After two years of maintaining her sobriety and working hard to understand what caused her to drink in the first place, Isabel moved into a senior community. In the last two years, she has also worked on building her community at church, which she attends three times a week in addition to her weekly 12-step recovery meeting. When church friends asked how they could help, the first thing that came to Isabel's mind was a bed. That's when one church member, Matt Dean, reached out to 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks. After Matt shared Isabel's story, we were happy to donate a new mattress, box spring, and frame. "I've never had a new bed, thank you," she said through tears of joy. As our delivery team was leaving, Isabel said, "I'm new to this kind of generosity. God has blessed me through 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks, and I'm forever grateful."

700 PAIRS OF NEW PAJAMAS! During our Pajama Drive for children in foster care, 700 pairs of new pajamas were donated 😍 Because of your generosity, hundreds of children in foster care will find a new pair of pajamas under the Christmas tree 🎄Thank you to everyone who donated and supported Embrace Washington and Teen & Kid Closet. ❤️ 16 Cents, 3 Shoes & 5 Socks employees were thrilled to be the drop-off locations at all 5 stores.

Over the last ten years, 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks owner Jason McSteen's story inspired many people – including the staff he hires. Most of our team share a similar story of overcoming tremendous odds to be where they are today. As part of celebrating our 10th anniversary, we want to introduce our staff members to show appreciation for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to their continued personal growth. Introducing our North Division Store Manager, Andrew Richards. Andrew started as a sales associate four years ago, working at several store locations, helping fill in. He recently earned the manager position at the north store at the end of July. Andrew came to work for us after purchasing a mattress. "I heard Jason's story and liked his dedication to God and recovery. It means a lot to me. I've been clean and sober for eight years in November, and working at 16 Cents helps my sobriety." Andrew grew up in a low-income neighborhood in Oregon. When he was 16, Andrew found himself on the wrong side of the law, leading to his incarceration. When he was released from prison, he transferred his post-prison supervision to Spokane to find employment and stability. "I thought it was the better option," said Andrew. "I could either go to a halfway house with a bunch of guys I was in prison with or go to Spokane and live with my parents. Instead of relying on a broken system to get me on my feet, I thought it was the better option coming here." His past mistake wasn't held against him, and he was given a 'second chance' at 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks. Andrew works hard to continue growing as an individual and employee. "I'm thankful that I told Jason about my criminal history. It wasn't something he held against me," said Andrew. "He only wanted to know how I got as far as I did and managed to keep it together." Over the last four years, Andrew has been part of our growing business, going from one to five stores. "Jason encourages us to be dedicated to our customers," said Andrew. "And to work from a place of integrity and compassion."