King Philip Middle School Collects Hundreds Of Socks For Homeless

NORFOLK, MA — King Philip Middle School students recently held a successful sock and blanket drive to benefit people in need. Through the drive, which concluded Wednesday, the students collected 263 pairs of socks to be donated to the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and 66 blankets to be distributed to the homeless population in Boston, school officials say.

"As the holiday season begins, it's wonderful to see our students get into the giving spirit by donating these important items to those in need," said Principal Michelle Kreuzer. "This drive brought out the best in our entire school community once again this year."

The sock and blanket drive was led by the student council. Each homeroom at the school received a box to collect items over a two-week period. Then, student council members collected the items and counted them. Any homeroom that participated was placed in a drawing to win an ice cream treat at lunch.

School officials say that the blanket drive has been an annual tradition at the school for about 15 years. Socks were added to that drive five years ago. The goal each year to collect at least 50 blankets and 250 pairs of socks. Both of those goals were met this year.

As winter approaches, the student council will remain busy with a food drive during the first two weeks of November. The food drive will benefit local families and food pantries in Wrentham, Norfolk and Plainville. Students will also hold a coat drive in early January and a book drive in February, according to school officials.

Student council members hope to also do a drive to support a local animal shelter in the near future, school officials say.

"Giving back is important to all of the members of the student council," said the group's adviser, Whitney Hartwell. "Each of these drives shows their commitment to community service, not just during the holidays but through the entire year.