As the leaves begin to fall and temperatures begin to drop, people are starting to prepare for the colder weather. One preparation includes the Socktober sock drive, hosted by the Student Nurses Association (SNA). During the month of October, boxes will be located across campus where students, faculty and community members are able to donate socks.
“We are asking for new socks to be donated. Then, we will donate the socks that we collect to the Janzen House to help supply the need for socks in our community,” said Emilee Kelly, vice president of the Student Nurses Association and chair of Socktober.
The Janzen House helps provide support and resources for those experiencing homelessness and housing crises. They also help to secure employment and long-term housing for their residents. The Janzen House accepts donations and will always take socks, shoes, t-shirts and blue jeans.
Socktober was started in 2018 and was recently restarted after having been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
SNA felt this was an important event and decided to bring it back after the pandemic.
“We do this to fill the need in the community. We are obviously all going into the healthcare field and want to make a difference. This gives us a way to give back to the community,” Kelly said.
While socks might seem like such a small and inconsequential item for some, they are incredibly important – especially in the colder months.
“Not wearing socks can cause foot ulcers and hypothermia, and you can get injuries on your toes, so having socks can really help with that,” Kelly said. “It also benefits the overall health of the individuals that are receiving the socks because their feet are more protected.”
In Marquette and Alger counties, there are about 9 unhoused individuals per 10,000 people in the general population, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. This is compared to 8 unhoused individuals per 10,000 people in the state of Michigan as a whole.
While all socks are greatly appreciated, Kelly does recommend donating some specific types of socks for those who can.
“Really any socks are great, but since we do live in the U.P., warmer socks are best because of how cold it can get here,” Kelly said.
Last year, SNA collected and donated 150 pairs of socks. Kelly said they hope to reach over 100 pairs of socks again this year.
For those who are unable to go out and buy socks, they can donate money to SNA. The organization will then purchase socks with the donations they collect that way.
In addition to the Socktober drive, SNA will be hosting a charity ball next semester, with proceeds going to a specific charity. Students in SNA partake in many events that give back to the community, like making blankets for shelters and holiday cards for nursing homes.
“It gives a way for nursing students to give back to the community, but to also be involved with other nursing students to build a community,” Kelly said.
