LOGAN, Ala. – Harmony School fifth-grade “Pirates and Pixies” clubs are working hard to make an impact in Cullman County this month with “Socktober,” a schoolwide fundraiser to collect socks for families in need and give students experience in community outreach.
The project was created by parent volunteer and PTO member Cassie Swann, who founded the Pirates and Pixies clubs with her fifth-grade daughter to inspire leadership and service among her classmates. The clubs meet monthly and plan projects that give back to others, with Socktober being their first major initiative.
“I saw the idea on Pinterest and thought it would be a fun, meaningful project for the kids,” Swann said. “When I mentioned it, they loved it and immediately wanted to help.”
Students set an ambitious goal of collecting 500 pairs of socks to donate to local nonprofit Curt’s Closet, which supports families in need. Despite having just over 200 students in the school, Swann said, the children were determined to aim high. “They came up with that number on their own. They wanted a big goal to work toward.”
To boost participation, the class that donates the most socks will win a pizza party, and weekly announcements will track which grade level is in the lead. Swann said the friendly competition has helped build excitement throughout the school and the pizza party will reward them for their hard efforts.
Socktober is designed to teach students the value of serving others and leadership.
“They’re learning what it means to care for others and to see their efforts make a difference and I hope that experience stays with them,” Swann said.
Donations of new socks or monetary contributions are being accepted throughout October. Once the collection wraps up, the students plan to deliver the socks in person to Curt’s Closet.
Harmony School can be reached at 256-747-1427.
