What started four years ago has become something done across Ontario.
Terrol McFarlane started SOCKS four years because, like many, she wanted to make a difference. Last year alone she says 86,000 pairs of socks were given out in Ontario thanks to SOCKS’ many partners across the Province, including here in North Hastings.
“With socks, the need never goes away,” McFarlane said when asked why look to get sock donations instead of something like coats or other types of clothing. “If I give you a winter coat, you could have it for three seasons, but if I give you a week’s worth of socks then you will need more within the month,” she continued.
McFarlane shared a story about two kids from the Durham region. She said they were at an Easter egg hunt where kids could get candy and socks. “The little kids, 4 and 5 years old, wanted to trade their candy in for an extra pair of socks,” she said. It was because they hadn’t had a clean pair of socks to wear in a while, McFarlane added.
She says that sometimes putting on a pair of socks can make you feel a little better when you’re down. “It’s like a big mental health hug,” she said.
The Old Tin Shed recently become a new drop-off point for sock donations. You can also drop-off socks at West Wind Gallery & Gifts as well as The Old Hastings Mercantile in Ormsby. You can find out more by visiting SOCKS North Hastings’ Facebook page. You can also visit SOCKS’ website for even more information on the program.