Dec. 19, 2023
By Chiara Cardone
Staff Writer
As the biting winter weather approached, the World Language Honor Society provided aid to those in need with its annual sock drive. This year’s initiative ran from Nov. 1-22.
On Dec. 2, Spanish teacher Señora Rojas, who co-advises the WLHS with Italian teacher Signor Raguseo, delivered the 521 pairs of socks her organization collected to the Palisades Emergency Residence Corporation, a homeless shelter in Union City.
Rojas said the number of socks collected this year far exceeded last year’s 354 pairs and 2021’s 374 pairs.
She said she attributes the sock drive’s success to several factors.
“We have been holding our meetings in person rather than virtually, which I believe keeps students more involved in our activities,” Rojas said. “In addition, our [volunteer] soccer friends have been generously contributing to our sock drive, which has also driven up the numbers. Finally, this year we invited the National Honor Society members to collaborate with us on our sock drive service project.”
Rojas said the 35 members of the WLHS decided to collect socks because they are essential clothing items.
“There’s a lot of wear and tear, so just having an extra pair of socks… is going to help,” Rojas said.
She said she has a personal connection to Union City because she grew up there and worked with its ambulance squad.
“Students get a lot just from being able to help someone else.”
“I knew about the needs of the population in that area,” Rojas said. “That’s why I keep going back and giving them the donations.”
Rojas said she encouraged students to contribute to the sock drive because it is a fulfilling gesture.
“It’s not a costly activity to participate in,” Rojas said. “Students get a lot just from being able to help someone else.”
WLHS president senior Samantha Cardo donated three pairs of socks to this year’s sock drive.
“By providing warm socks, especially when it gets cold outside, it helps keep [homeless people] at least a little bit warmer and make their life just a little bit easier,” Cardo said.
She said she enjoys participating in service projects because she knows people will benefit from her efforts.
“I’m not curing cancer. I’m not making something like a flying robot, but doing something that doesn’t seem huge to us is going to be huge for someone in need,” Cardo said.
WLHS treasurer senior Erick Vergara donated six pairs of socks and encouraged others to do the same.
“I told some friends about it, and they’ve donated,” Vergara said. “It feels rewarding because I’m contributing to a good cause.”
Vergara said he was glad to help people who need support.
“It makes me feel hopeful for those who are not as fortunate…. At least now they’ll have some of the bare necessities and a better quality of life,” said Vergara.
