Marigold School Launches Annual Sock Drive, Aiming for 2,000 Pairs

The annual sock drive at Marigold School in Chico, California, has officially begun, with students already collecting 907 pairs of socks towards their goal of 2,000 pairs. The drive, which concludes on February 8, 2026, coincides with Super Bowl Sunday, and aims to support local homeless shelters, specifically the Torres Community Shelter and the Chico Housing Action Team.

Ten-year-old student Roman Ponce expressed optimism about reaching their goal, stating, “We have 1,093 to go.” His enthusiasm was met with approval from fourth-grade teacher Mark Friedman, who emphasized the importance of the initiative in teaching students about community involvement. This marks Friedman’s sixth year organizing the drive, inspired by a desire to engage students in meaningful service.

The choice to collect socks stems from their significant need in shelters. According to Ashiah Bird, the marketing and communications director for True North Housing Alliance, which oversees the Torres Shelter, socks are essential due to the high amount of walking homeless individuals often do. “You can imagine if you’re out on your feet a lot, you’re wearing through your socks quicker,” Bird noted.

While the Chico Housing Action Team focuses primarily on housing, Director of Finance and Development Sarah Graham highlighted the importance of supporting residents with essential resources, stating, “Every little bit really helps,” especially in light of rising living costs.

Community Involvement and Donation Options

The sock drive allows for donations through various channels. Community members can drop off socks at the school’s front office or send them via mail. Friedman humorously acknowledged the convenience of online shopping, stating, “People can send socks from wherever they are courtesy of Jeff Bezos; he makes that pretty easy.”

Students and parent volunteers will also be on-site to accept donations in front of the school on designated days, specifically on Fridays from 07:35 to 08:10 and 13:45 to 14:15. Additionally, socks can be purchased at Big 5 Sporting Goods, where Friedman will collect donations directly.

Reflecting on past successes, Friedman shared that the first year of the sock drive yielded 600 pairs, while last year’s total reached 1,500 pairs. Inspired by his students, he has set a new target for this year, suggesting that they aim for 2,026 pairs. If they reach 2,000 pairs, Friedman has pledged to purchase the remaining 26 pairs himself.

Student Cohen Olberg added a personal touch, stating he and his family donated 48 pairs. Bird emphasized the emotional impact of these donations, mentioning that guests at the Torres Shelter feel encouraged by the community’s support. “It reminds them that there are people in the community who are rooting for them and want to give them that support,” she said.

As the sock drive continues, the students of Marigold School not only aim to meet their numerical goal but also strive to demonstrate that even children can make a significant difference in their community.