News Detail

Curtin Intermediate Launches Annual #socktober Campaign for Area Agencies

District Wide

October 06, 2022 | Community

A student plays corn hole.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (OCTOBER 6, 2022) — Now in its eighth year, Curtin Intermediate School held its annual Socktoberfest in a schedule of events held on its campus on Sept. 30. 

The kickoff event launched the school’s month-long sock drive to benefit local agencies that provide family support in and around the Williamsport area. 

Included in this year's Socktoberfest activities were corn hole (using weighted socks, of course), an art station where students designed a sock that will be displayed in the school’s windows, and a pound station using drumsticks and tires where the students acknowledged that the are “Tire(d) of Poverty."  

"We were excited to also have a station for students to meet with our social workers and community members to learn how to cook a simple meal with a game show type feel," said teacher Anna Radspinner, who started and has led the charge on the school's #socktober campaign since 2014. "The Central PA Food Bank presented, as well as leaders from the Lycoming County United Way. UPMC donated a bag for all 600 of our students to take home at the end of the day that were filled with swag from our agencies and school."

The #socktober movement itself began 10 years ago by Kid President and Soul Pancake to help the homeless around the U.S.

"#socktober has been a game changer in our school," Radspinner said. "We are teaching beyond the ABCs and 123s. Our students are from all backgrounds. Socktober has opened all of our eyes to not only the tough times people face but also to how we can help each other. Our students are learning empathy along with how to serve others. While the theme of our month is socks, its mission goes far beyond."

Over the last eight years, Radspinner estimates that about 30,000 pairs of socks have been donated. 

Sock donations can be dropped off at the school, or sent directly to the school through Amazon

"With the sock challenge this year, we're trying to see how many different states we can receive socks from," Radspinner added. "Through Amazon, socks can be shipped right to the school. We just ask that people let us know where they're from in the gift message."

###

Make a Donation

Back to News