Those who donate will celebrate the holiday season with warm hearts, while anyone on the receiving end will feel the comfort more literally.
Socks from Soldiers is a new initiative that’s catching on quickly.
Started in Edmonton, Socks from Soldiers accepts donations of gently used or new socks, which are then distributed to those in need.
“I saw this idea where we basically take donations and give them to less fortunate families, shelters, places like that, just trying to help keep people warm during the holiday season,” explained Ashley Jacobs, the local resident who brought the initiative in Cold Lake.
Jacobs decided to spearhead the local collection after seeing Socks from Soldiers on social media.
Knowing one-third of Cold Lake’s population is made-up of military personnel, she felt it was the right fit for the community.
“I see a lot of people in this community and surrounding communities, especially around the Christmas holidays, that need the extra assistance, even if it’s just something as simple as a pair of socks. If we have the ability to be able to help, we should,” she expressed.
Jacobs is working with centres in Cold Lake and Bonnyville in order to spread the warmth.
“We won’t be handing them out in person, because that’s a privacy factor. I’ve been in touch with the Cold Lake Native Friendship Centre, the Bonnyville Friendship Centre, Kokum’s House, and the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre in regards to making donations.”
Whether it comes in the form of cash or a cozy pair of socks, Jacobs is hoping to have all donations collected in time for the holidays.
“I would be willing to take a cash donation and provide them with a receipt if they want me to do the shopping for them, or we are accepting gently used and clean socks,” she detailed.
Those wanting to donate can contact Jacobs via email at [email protected], or drop-off a pair at the JJ Parr Recreation Centre before Dec. 13.
“I will still be taking them afterwards if people are willing to donate after the fact, but we were hoping to get people the products before Christmas,” noted Jacobs.
As of Tuesday, she had collected 392 pairs of socks to be distributed throughout the partnering organizations.
Jacobs is just shy of her 500-pair goal, and is hopeful the community will step-up and give.
