Cynthia DePetro, bottom, left, confers with helpers at a recent Rock the Socks! event. (Journal file photo)

MARQUETTE — The Berry Events Center should, at least for a few moments, look different than it would during a typical hockey game when “Toss the Socks” takes place at this Friday’s battle between Northern Michigan University and the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

“There’s a great need in our community for socks, so we are asking for our generous and giving community to help us out,” said Cynthia DePetro, who teaches English, publishing and photography at Marquette Alternative High School, the event’s sponsor.

DePetro said there is a particular need for new youth, infant and adult socks. So, she is asking the community to bring these socks and throw them on the ice after the end of the first period.

“Rock the Socks!” is an ongoing effort to solicit socks for people in need in the area. It will run through Dec. 17.

Drop-off sites are: MAHS; St. Louis the King Catholic Church; Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers; Marquette Senior High School; Bothwell Middle School; Sandy Knoll, Superior Hills, Graveraet and Cherry Creek elementary schools; Marquette Area Public Schools central office; Ishpeming Middle/High School; Mister McGregor’s Garden; Embers Credit Union; Salon, Salon; Smarty’s Saloon, Unity Yoga; and Alluma Yoga.

Organizations receiving the socks are the St. Vincent de Paul Society, local elementary schools, the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, Room at the Inn, Janzen House, the Women’s Center and Beacon House.

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