PARKERSBURG - A community service project called "Socks for Seniors" is seeking the help of local volunteers.
Jamie Coyne said he started the program in Columbus, Ohio, about 12 years ago. He said the initiative began by accident.
"I was involved in a music program, visiting nursing homes," Coyne said.
Article Photos
Photo Provided
A collection pile of socks donated in Columbus, Ohio, where the program “Socks for Seniors” began.
Coyne, a professional singer, said a woman who was normally upbeat seemed to be depressed about something. When he asked what was wrong, she said her feet were freezing and "if I just had a warm pair of socks that would make all the difference," he said.
All socks stay local and organizers collect the new socks to distribute to elderly in local nursing homes around the holidays, he said.
Volunteers can sign up to add collection sites at www.socksforseniors.com/register.
The program began nationwide with Make A Difference Day on Oct. 27, and people can still begin helping.
"We send signs and logos and the information on how to do the program," he said. "Distribution of socks takes place right at Christmas (Dec. 24)."
Once people sign up to volunteer, everything needed to begin collecting socks is sent to them, he said.
"It is 100 percent volunteer based," said Coyne. "We neither take or make money from it; we do not collect money, we collect socks."
If volunteers in the area have a nursing or assisted-living center in mind, that's a great start, Coyne said. If not, other volunteers from the campaign can help connect them with their senior community.
