Students from Marquette Alternative High School drop off socks at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans on Wednesday for its “Rock the Socks” project. Standing from left are Shari Smith, activity coordinator at Jacobetti, and students Logan Saarela, Landen Lundquist, Kaleb Jenkins, Alaina Reynolds and Kyra McCormick. Kneeling is Cynthia DePetro, MAHS English and yearbook teacher. (Journal photo by Christie Mastric)

MARQUETTE — One of the most necessary, and perhaps underappreciated, articles of clothing is a pair of socks, and fortunately for needy area residents, more of them now are in circulation.

For the ninth year, Marquette Alternative High School held its “Rock the Socks!” project in which socks were collected from the community to be distributed to people who need them.

“I think it’s some of the best lessons that we can teach because we’re teaching about finding a way to do something within our means to help our community, giving back to your community,” said Cindy DePetro, who teaches English and yearbook at MAHS and who spearheads the socks effort. “I think kids today are a lot more giving than the general public knows or thinks, so this is important for me to see — the hearts of kids.”

She said the MAHS kids not only are representative of Marquette Area Public Schools, but of the country.

On Wednesday, MAHS students were transported by bus to deliver the socks that had been collected, traveling to St. Vincent de Paul, Janzen House, the Women’s Center, the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans and Room at the Inn, all in Marquette.

The event took place safely considering the COVID-19 pandemic, with everyone wearing masks and socially distancing.

A total of 2,195 pairs of socks were collected for the December campaign.

Kyra McCormick, an MAHS senior, helped unload the boxes of socks on Wednesday.

She said she felt good about the activity and providing socks to individuals in need.

“It’s giving back to the community,” McCormick said. “That kind of makes me feel warm inside.”

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.