About the Contest
Your design. Our mission.
Every step tells a story.
We’re inviting creative minds of all ages to design the Official 2026 Mothers’ Milk Bank California Sock.
The winning design will be featured on socks that spark conversation, spread joy, and help change the lives of premature infants and their families. Worn by supporters across California, it will help share the story of donor human milk.
Let your imagination make an impact. One step at a time.
Step by step
How It Works
Create
Design your original sock inspired by our mission and community.
Vote & Win
Our team picks 5 finalists, then the community votes for the winner.
What you could win
Prize & Judging
Grand Prize Includes
- Recognition as the Official 2026 MMBCA Sock Designer
- Your winning design professionally produced as a limited-edition sock
- A feature on our website, and social media.
Entries will be judged on:
- Creativity
- Originality
- Wearability
- Mission Connection
- Visual Appeal
Get inspired
Design Inspiration
Consider keeping it warm, simple, and meaningful, with a playful, cozy, joyful, colorful, or sweet feel. Please avoid medical imagery, copyrighted characters, or anything overly serious.
The details
Eligibility & Submission Guidelines
Who Can Enter?
- Students, parents, healthcare professionals, designers, or anyone with a great idea.
- Open to U.S. residents. 18 or older, or have parent/guardian permission if under 18.
- Check the Official Contest Rules for more details.
Design Requirements
- Your own original work
- Inspired by our mission, values, or community
- Not infringing on anyone else’s copyright or trademark
File Guidelines
- Accepted types: PDF, PNG, JPG, AI, EPS
- Maximum file size: 25 MB
- Hand-drawn artwork welcome if clearly scanned
- Limit one entry per person
Ready to Sock It Forward?
Complete the form below and upload your design. Make something that brings smiles and makes a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I keep the rights to my design?
Yes, you keep ownership of your original artwork. If your design is selected as the winner, you agree to grant MMBCA a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to reproduce, manufacture, distribute, and promote products featuring your design. Full details are in the Official Contest Rules.
Can I submit hand-drawn artwork?
Absolutely. Hand-drawn designs are welcome as long as they can be clearly scanned or photographed. You don’t need to be a professional designer. Just bring your creativity!
What happens after I submit?
Our MMBCA review team selects five finalists, then the community votes on MothersMilk.org to choose the winner. Voting closes October 30, and the winner is announced on November 6, 2026. The winning artwork is professionally produced as the Official 2026 MMBCA Sock.
What’s the contest timeline?
Contest Opens: September 9, 2026
Submission Deadline: October 16, 2026
Community Voting Closes: October 30, 2026
Winner Announced: November 6, 2026
About Mothers’ Milk Bank California
Founded in 1974, Mothers’ Milk Bank California is a nonprofit milk bank and a proud member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. We provide life-saving pasteurized donor human milk to vulnerable babies in hospitals and NICUs across California and beyond.
Share With an Artist
Know someone creative? Forward this page or download the template to help us collect the small steps that create a big impact.
Every drop can save a life. Together, we can nourish futures and support families on their journey.