Socks were connected to both men's and women's experiences during World War I. Women on the homefront were encouraged to "knit your bit" to help soldiers overseas. Many volunteered through the Red Cross and other groups to knit socks, and millions of socks were sent to help soldiers in Europe. For men on the front, keeping their feet warm and dry was a constant struggle. Cold, wet feet could lead to sickness or trench foot, so soldiers needed to always have warm, dry socks on hand.