From right, Marquette Alternative High School student Cecila Sicotte and Nova Bradbury decorate the Rock the Socks donation boxes to be dropped off at area businesses and schools for the collection of socks for individuals in need. (Journal photo by Trinity Carey)

MARQUETTE — When giving back to our communities we often think of donating items like canned goods, winter coats, mittens and money, but one highly requested item by those in need is often forgotten — socks.

Area schools and local businesses will be participating in the annual Rock the Socks campaign Dec. 9-13 to collect socks for those in need.

The event began seven years ago in the classroom of Marquette Alternative High School teacher Cindy DePetro. Each year her students decorate boxes to be taken to sock drop-off locations throughout the community. The sock drive will begin Sunday and adult, youth and infant sock donations will be accepted.

“One of the things that is so awesome about this type of fundraiser is No. 1, we know it’s needed and No. 2 we know it’s affordable,” DePetro said. “When everyone is out shopping for the holidays, I think the season is more about giving than receiving and if they can remember the people who aren’t remembered, if they can remember the people who are in need and can’t afford things, if they can remember something as simple as a warm pair of socks, I think that’s what makes the season special and I think that’s what makes the Upper Peninsula so special. I mean we live in a very caring community and I just ask everybody to help us make it possible for everybody’s feet to be warm.”

MAHS student Dayton Benish said he enjoys supporting those in need and hopes the community will join him and his classmates in giving back.

“Any way you can help is great and will help you morally too,” Benish said. “Being able to help others in need helps you as a person to grow.”

Those interested in donating can drop off socks to any of the following locations during the drive: Marquette Alternative High School, Marquette Senior High School Athletics, Bothwell Middle School, Graveraet Elementary School, Cherry Creek Elementary School, Sandy Knoll Elementary School, Superior Hills Elementary School, Marquette Area Public Schools Central Office, MAPS Technology and Transportation Offices, Father Marquette Academy, Aspen Ridge and NICE Community Schools, Ishpeming High School, Negaunee High School, Gilbert and Sawyer elementary schools, Northern Michigan University School of Education and NMU Athletics Department, Mister McGregor’s Garden, Profiles in Hair Design, Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers, Select Realty, all three Embers Credit Union locations and St. Louis the King Church.

Rock the Socks will conclude with Toss the Socks during the NMU vs. Minnesota State University hockey game at the Berry Events Center at 7 p.m. Dec. 13. Socks can be tossed onto the ice during the first intermission. Fans are also encouraged to wear crazy socks to the game. By bringing a pair of socks to the game, K-12 students will be admitted free of charge.

All socks collected during the Rock the Socks campaign will be gifted to St. Vincent de Paul, Janzen House, local elementary schools, The Giving Closet, Room at the Inn, The Women’s Center and the Beacon House.

Trinity Carey can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206.