Amboy Middle School fifth graders show off their socks.
At two Battle Ground schools it’s “Socktober” that’s coming to an end next week.
Fifth graders at Amboy Middle School and the kindergartners at Pleasant Valley Primary have been collecting socks throughout the month and donating them locally as part of a national movement intended to help their home communities.
As of last week the two schools had collected 1,461 pairs of new socks and are still going. The Amboy fifth grades set a goal of 600 pairs of socks before the drive began and have already far exceeded it. Pleasant Valley’s kindergartners are on pace to reach their goal of 1,000 pairs as well.
The donated socks are being distributed through Battle Ground Public Schools' Family and Community Resources Center, located at the CASEE center.
"The Socktober drive has been a wonderful experience," said Michelle Anderson who teaches participating kindergartners at Pleasant Valley, in a news release. “Not only do the socks go to local community members in need, but it also provides valuable lessons to students. Counting and pairing socks provides kindergarteners with math practice, while also presenting an opportunity to talk about what it means to be homeless and why it's important to do something to help others."
Erica Benge, who teaches fifth grade at Amboy Middle School added in a release, “Kids are learning that even seemingly little things like socks can mean so much, and that small acts of kindness really do make a difference. Through this donation drive, we are trying to 'spread the good,' to learn empathy and create a sense of community. It's been uplifting to see how much the students and staff enjoy giving and caring about those in need."
Donated socks from the effort will be available to local families and students in need through the school district's Family and Community Resource Center (FCRC). Anyone interested in donating new socks or blankets — or anyone in need such items — can contact the FCRC by calling 360-885-5434 or emailing
fcrc@battlegroundps.org.
— Source: Battle Ground Public Schools
