October is a month known for its falling leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, and Halloween festivities. But for Galion Intermediate School, it’s also the month of SOCKTOBER—a community-driven initiative that has warmed thousands of feet over the years. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the school is inviting students to participate in this charitable endeavor. Over the past nine years, the school has collected an impressive 15,000 new pairs of socks, and this year aims to break all previous records.
How SOCKTOBER Works
The mechanics of SOCKTOBER are simple yet effective. Each Wednesday in October—on the 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th—students have the opportunity to bring in new pairs of socks. In return, they earn the privilege to dress down for the day. The more socks you donate, the more casual your attire can be:
- 2 pairs of socks = shirt of choice
- 3 pairs of socks = jeans
- 5 pairs of socks = hat
- 6 pairs of socks = shirt of choice, jeans, and a hat
Donations can be dropped off in Classroom Collection boxes from October 1 to October 31.
Where the Socks Go
The socks collected don’t just pile up in a storeroom. Each year, the donations are sent to the Marion Homeless Shelter, making a tangible impact on the lives of those in need. The highest collection to date was in 2021, with over 5,400 pairs of socks donated. This year, the school is eager to surpass that number and bring warmth to even more people as the winter months approach.
Incentives Beyond Warm Feet
While the primary goal of SOCKTOBER is to provide for the community, Galion Intermediate School also encourages participation through some friendly competition. The classroom that collects the most socks by the end of October will win a Classroom Pizza Party. Not to be left out, the classrooms that come in second and third will receive Ice Cream Sandwiches as a tasty consolation prize.
Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
