Hudson Middle School’s Socktober Drive Warms Hearts and Feet

By Danielle McCulley

The third annual Socktober sock drive at Hudson Middle School was a huge success,  continuing a growing tradition of generosity in the community.  

In past years, students donated around 1,200 pairs of socks to the Salvation Army,  which distributes them to people in need during its daily meals and annual Thanksgiving dinner.  This year, however, Mrs. Angove—who is in her final year of teaching—challenged her leadership team to raise the bar even higher.  

As October drew to a close, the group feared they might fall short of their goal. That’s  when one of Mrs. Angove’s former TAG students, Alston Rokusek, stepped in to help. With  support from his mom, he spread the word that the drive needed a boost. Before the final football game of the season, Alston texted players and families, encouraging them to pitch in.  

The response was overwhelming. In just one night, the football community and other parents donated more than 900 pairs of socks, along with monetary contributions to buy even more. Special thanks go to Mrs. Messmore, who used her business and discount to order additional socks online.  

The TAG (Talented and Gifted) program includes three key components—leadership, creativity, and general giftedness. The leadership team plays a vital role in planning and  organizing events like Socktober, giving students a chance to make a meaningful impact in their community.  

Through their partnership with the Salvation Army, students also learned about the organization’s broader mission—providing assistance with utility bills, distributing coats and  toys, offering daily hot meals, and operating women’s and family shelters for those without  homes.  

As the students discovered, a simple act of kindness—like donating a pair of socks— can make a world of difference for someone in need.