Shawnee Church Launches “Socktober” to Bless Every Middle School Student

SHAWNEE, Okla. — Jesus washed the feet of His disciples as a humble act of care. This October, the Shawnee Seventh‑day Adventist Church hopes to reflect that same love by covering the feet of every middle school student in the community.

The church has launched Socktober, a drive to collect more than 1,000 pairs of new socks between now and the end of October. The name blends “socks” with “October,” but the mission is deeply rooted in compassion.

“And if we give every child a pair of socks, it doesn’t single out those who may not have socks,” said Ronda Funks, the church’s outreach coordinator. “We certainly don’t want to embarrass kids who can’t afford socks or don’t have them available at home.”

Funks said approximately 1,075 middle school‑aged students are enrolled across public middle schools in the Shawnee area.

In addition to serving local students, Socktober will again support several community organizations that have benefited from the project in previous years, including Project Safe, Hope House, and local homeless outreach programs.

“Socks are rarely donated but highly requested at shelters,” Funks said. “These ministries collect and hand out clean footwear to prevent medical issues like trench foot and infections.” The need is similar among youth. “Many kids develop blisters from wearing improperly sized shoes,” she added.

Across the country, churches and nonprofits have adopted sock ministries as a simple but meaningful way to serve vulnerable populations. Funks noted that many congregations connect the act of giving socks to the biblical tradition of foot‑washing, framing it as a humble expression of care.

For those wishing to donate socks, request receipts, or ask local businesses for support, messages may be left at 405‑570‑5900. The church also accepts cash donations designated for Socktober.

A collection bin is available at the Oklahoma Conference of Seventh‑day Adventists, located at 4735 NW 63rd St., Oklahoma City.

Socks may also be mailed—or sent via Amazon—to: Socktober Project, PO Box 785 Shawnee, OK 74802

Reported by Keith Dobbs