Martirano Super Sock Drive Leaves Legacy, Helps Families In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Martirano Super Sock Drive, underway now, will help provide socks and monetary donations to those who need a little support this holiday season.

Howard County Public School System Superintendent Michael J. Martirano, known for his flashy socks, decided to start this initiative to help students. It's being carried out in collaboration with the Bright Minds Foundation. Martirano donated $4,000 to launch the campaign after recently receiving the prestigious Tom Cookerly Exceptional School Superintendent Leadership Award from the National Center for Children and Families.

"Thank you so much to the National Center for Children and Families and Bright Minds Foundation for helping make this happen. This is a need for many of our students that too often gets overlooked," Martirano said. "I know from many years serving in schools with high poverty rates that new and proper socks are a necessity for many students. With approximately 30 percent of Howard County students living in poverty, a lack of socks and other proper clothing is a consideration for some students in determining whether they attend school or not. Socks should never be the reason a child doesn’t attend school, nor should they endure cold and uncomfortable feet throughout their day."

“Bright Minds is committed to working with our community to make sure every child has the support, resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Bright Minds Executive Director Jennifer Van Kirk. “We are delighted to be a part of this initiative that will make a difference in the lives of children with the greatest needs in our community. This is a fitting legacy of Dr. Martirano’s dedicated service at HCPSS and partnership with the public schools education foundation.”

To donate to the initiative, visit the campaign's website.