As Christmas time approaches, the excitement for the holiday festivities begin. Christmas music, fun holiday activities like ice skating or sledding, and spending time with friends and family. For many, the holidays are a time of joy and togetherness, but for others, it can be a time of low spirits. 

Every year, the members of Kelly Walsh’s National Honor Society chapter organize a sock drive for the local nursing homes around town. The students must prepare months in advance to ensure the drive is run smoothly. Initially, the NHS members divide into committees. These committees are tasked with collecting Christmas themed or cozy socks from students and staff, and decorating holiday cards with kind and encouraging messages on each one. Then, they hand deliver each individual card and sock pair to the residents living in the nursing homes just in time for Christmas.

For many people around the holidays, financial instability can hit hard. The cost of even the smallest necessities can be detrimental to some.

According to a Sophia Ferguson, a senior at Kelly Walsh High School and a member of the Honor Society, “This drive is an act of kindness and community care. Many elderly people in nursing homes face limited access to the personal items so something as small as a pair of socks can be super comforting.”

The Kelly Walsh Honor Society chapter is able to help during this time of year and provide some relief for those in need.

The drive may seem simple, but in reality, what the members of NHS are delivering is so much more than just a pair of socks. The holidays are not always as cheerful and merry as many believe, especially for those living in nursing homes. For those over the age of 65, depression occurs in a one in six ratio. The feeling of isolation and loneliness is very common in nursing homes chiefly during the holiday season. This time of year can also trigger memories of lost friends or family members bringing up feelings of grief. Even small acts such as delivering socks and Christmas cards is incredibly meaningful to those feeling down during the holidays.

Ferguson said, “The sock drive shows the residents that they are remembered and valued. It is a great way to spread holiday cheer”. 

The impact made in the lives of those in need of a little joy during the Christmas season, demonstrates to the students of the NHS chapter the difference they can make in the world. Not only does the drive spread joy to the elderly but also to the students as well.

Ava Titus, another senior member of the Kelly Walsh National Honor Society, said, “I really like hearing the older people’s stories, and I love seeing their faces light up when we hand them the gift… our one small act definitely has a widespread impact.”

This drive gives students an opportunity to show their love for their community. Not only are they making a difference in their community, but they are also impacted by this experience. The NHS members are able to recognise the impact of their small act of kindness.