Fourth grader creates source of socks for the homeless

WARWICK – Many people may not know that new socks are among the least donated items for homeless individuals, yet among the most needed. But Kodey Bossio, a Grade-4 student at Sanfordville Elementary School in Warwick, knew and came up with an idea to donate new socks to the homeless. He called the program Sock It to the Homeless, and last November and December he dropped off signs and paper bags at local businesses and asked them to help.

They did and he collected over 200 pairs of brand new socks and still counting. The program will continue through January.

“The homeless,” he said, “can get health problems because they don’t have socks or they wear old ones. It’s sad to think they could get frostbite or infections, which is why we want to help them.”

Businesses that are currently participating include Style Counsel, Forever Jewelers, Newhard’s, Track 7, Prizzies and ShopRite.

One of the four cornerstones of the Warwick PIE program (Partners in Education), an educational option in the Warwick school district, is family and community involvement. In support of developing creative problem solvers and socially responsible community members, PIE students, educators and parents co-created Serving PIE to Others. For three months students are focused on giving back in school, in the community and beyond.

November, for example, was centered around kindness where participants created a hope paper chain with nearly 100 reinforcing messages that hangs in the Sanfordville Elementary lobby for inspiration. They also handmade 120 colorful Thanksgiving placemats for the senior residents at Schervier Pavillion Skilled Nursing Facility to brighten up their meals.

December was all about human rights. Families participated in book donations to Albert Wisner Library.

January will be about needs insecurity. For example, students will lead activities for food banks and soup kitchens.

If you’d like to host a donation bag at your location, please reach out to warwickpie@gmail.com. All socks will be donated to homeless shelters at the end of the month. Follow the Warwick PIE Community on Facebook for updates. # # #

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