ALBANY – These gifts weren’t delivered by a jolly old elf, but they’re definitely timely and will bring comfort to the feet of those in need.
Representatives with the Georgia Cotton Commission recently dropped off 520 pairs of socks in Albany, some of the 12,000 pairs the organization is in the process of delivering across the state.
“A few years ago, some of our board members wanted to find a way to give back to the community,” Terry Sills, executive director of the Georgia Cotton Commission, located in Perry, said.
Sills delivered the socks to Open Arms Inc. on Pine Avenue, accompanied by Calhoun County farmer and Cotton Commission board member Chad Mathis. Open Arms assists children, adults and families with programs that support those facing situations of child abuse and homelessness.
“We heard that socks are one of the biggest (needs) for homeless shelters,” Sills said. “Cotton farmers are a part of this community.”
So far, Sills has been to Athens and Tacoa and will make deliveries to cities including Atlanta, Augusta, Calhoun, Columbus, Macon, Savannah, Statesboro, Tifton and Valdosta.
“There’s athletic socks, boot socks, socks you might wear to church,” Sills said. “There’s socks for children. There’s socks for women. There’s socks for men.”
The gift also represents a part of what the state’s cotton growers produce, with the socks having a cotton content of 85%.
Open Arms assistance includes The Bridge for abused and homeless children, an emergency shelter, a basic center program, a maternity group home and a street outreach program.
The donation will assist individuals at all of those sites, Tamaro Hayes, the HUD outreach director at Open Arms, said.
“About two years ago, a homeless person told me (socks) not only serves the purpose of the feet, it serves the purpose of the hands,” she said. “If they don’t have gloves, they can use socks for their hands.
“Any donations are welcome. We’re getting ready for Christmas to make sure our youths get what they need. This absolutely will help our four shelters that we have.”
Credit: Albany Herald
Credit: Albany Herald
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