A Port Alberni teenager has socked away dozens and dozens of socks, but she wants more.
For the last little while, Roxy Manson, 15, has managed to collect about 100 pairs of socks for the homeless population in Port Alberni, but hopes to double that number in the coming days.
So the Grade 10 student is asking for new or hand-made warm socks of any size, which will be donated to the location Salvation Army and the Alberni Community and Women’s Services Society.
“I just see people and I notice how it’s getting cold outside and wet and it’s hard to see people and imagine how they’re feeling,” Manson says, adding. “It just makes me sad so I wanted to do something.”
The 15-year-old says she picked socks because having a warm pair of socks can go a long way for those on the street in the winter months and wasn’t sure how many pairs she would receive when she first launched her campaign.
“We probably have about 100 and I didn’t think we’d get that many,” said Manson. “So, that’s what I was originally hoping for but maybe about 200 would be the goal.”
Manson’s ambitious campaign has made her family proud and could turn into something longer lasting.
“I’m really proud of Roxy, we hope that we can start this year and then build every year and during the month of November she’s going to collect and then she’ll be able to give them to people in December,” said Manson’s mother, Stacey.
“We’re a community that I think has a lot of people struggling and trying to lift themselves up so I think every individual piece and every person that contributes helps a lot,” adds her brother, Jay.
Those interested in donating can drop socks off at the Walk The Coast shoe store on Elizabeth Street in Port Alberni or call 250-735-3520.
Elite Dance Academy is also accepting donations from dancers and their families only. (Due to COVID-19 restrictions.)
Roxy Manson, 15, is collecting socks for the homeless population in Port Alberni. (Dean Stoltz/CHEK)
Dean Stoltz
