A classroom video sparked a community service project for a group of Fairfield fourth graders who are now collecting socks for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Karen Wulf’s fourth graders at Pence Elementary launched a Sock-Tober sock drive after watching a Kid President video about making a difference. What started as a classroom discussion quickly turned into 24 students organizing their own collection effort.
Wulf said the project was entirely student-driven. “This project started after our class watched an inspiring Kid President video about making a difference. What began as a simple classroom discussion quickly turned into 24 students coming together with a plan to help others. They took the initiative to organize a sock drive for individuals experiencing homelessness. They created posters, decorated donation boxes, made a video, and worked together to spread the word throughout our school and community.”
Wulf said watching her students go from idea to action has been one of her proudest moments in the classroom. “What makes this project so special to me is that it was truly student-driven. These kids didn’t just talk about helping others; they came up with a plan and put it into action. Watching their excitement, teamwork, compassion, and determination has been one of my proudest moments as their teacher.”
She added that she hopes her students recognize the impact they are capable of making. “I hope they realize that even at 9 and 10 years old, they have the power to make a difference in someone’s life.”
The students dubbed their campaign “Small Feet, BIG Hearts” — a message that reflects the driving idea behind the project: that children can make a real difference in their communities, and that a simple donation of socks can help meet someone’s everyday needs.
The class is collecting new socks in all sizes. Donation boxes are located at Pence Elementary and Washington State Bank. Community members are encouraged to drop off a pair or a package of new socks at either location if able.
