One pair at a time
Brothers Mason and Maverick Metcalf, who enjoy helping those in need, proudly collected 3,258 pairs out of the total 4,682 socks raised at this year’s “Sock it to ‘Em” drive at American Academy. Pictured: AA elementary Principal Lisa Anthenien, Mason Metcalf, Maverick Metcalf and middle school Principal Michelle Daley.
“Sock it to ‘Em” is an annual sock drive that American Academy (AA) participates in to help provide socks to men, women and children who are experiencing homelessness. Teacher Lynda Hernandez joined the cause while a teacher, and upon her retirement in 2022, seventh grader Mason Metcalf promised he would continue the sock tradition while attending AA.
This year, Mason, along with his younger brother Maverick, a third grader at AA, collected and donated 3,258 of the total 4,682 pairs collected. The brothers gathered socks throughout the year using birthday, Christmas and chore money. Additionally, they held bake sales and asked friends and family for donations.
“We were looking for a way for our family to serve our community, and they decided that collecting socks was what they wanted to do,” said Audrey Metcalf. “It has been great to see my children invest their time into helping others.”
Each year, the boys challenge themselves to beat their previous year’s sock totals. The brothers’ collection began in 2020, when they gathered 125 pairs of socks; the following year, the sock donations doubled. They have increased their totals every year.
“I am so glad that I can make a small difference in my community with our sock donations,” said Mason. Next year’s sock drive will be Mason’s last drive as an eighth grader, but he is looking to Maverick to continue the tradition.
“I am so happy that I can help other kids have socks to stay warm,” said Maverick. He is looking forward to the challenge and helping those who need added support in the years to come.
By Julie Matuszewski: photo courtesy of Audrey Metcalf
