Collection donations of socks for neighbors in need

By Chris Snyder

During the first month of school, Botelle School fifth graders have been learning about the U.S. Constitution, our government system and citizenship. They learned that part of citizenship is being engaged and considering the needs of others in the community, whether in big or small ways. As a result, the class is excited to announce the fifth annual Socktober, a sock drive to help the homeless in the surrounding communities during the upcoming New England winter. 

Students worked to make this sock drive possible by creating flyers, posters and sock donation boxes, as well as reaching out to local businesses for a place to put the sock boxes. To support their efforts, area residents are asked to purchase a new package of socks and drop them off in one of the boxes around town between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31. Drop-off boxes can be found at the Berkshire Country Store, Town Hall, National Iron Bank, George’s Norfolk Garage and the Norfolk Hub. 

At the end of October, students will decide where to donate the socks that have been collected. Past recipients have included the Winsted Emergency Shelter at the YMCA, FISH in Torrington and Helping Hands in New Hartford. We hope you’ll join us in helping our neighbors in need!
Chris Snyder is a fifth grade teacher at Botelle Elementary School.