BUCKHANNON – Buckhannon’s Shoe Sensation on Saturday, Sept. 25, donated 104 pairs of socks to the Upshur County Senior Center for inclusion in the center’s annual holiday baskets.

Shoe Sensation store manager Genevia Jenkins said her store’s previous donation drive to the Upshur County Comfort Closest was so successful they wanted to help the elderly adults in the community next.

“We’ve partnered with Sarah Campbell, the director of the Upshur County Senior Center, because we wanted to see if there was anything that we could do to help them, and they mentioned they do holiday baskets each year for the seniors and socks was one of the things that they would like to put in the baskets,” Jenkins said. “We set a goal of 100 and we exceeded the goal by four packs; it was a really nice turnout and we had great support from the community.”

She said customers appreciated the cause and how easy it was to donate.

“It’s a convenient way for them to give back to the community,” Jenkins said. “While they’re in here, they can just buy what they need and then add on socks and they know we will take care of getting it to the right person. I noticed we have a lot of senior customers, and we had a great response with the Comfort Closets, so we’ve helped the children, and now, maybe we should try to reach out for the seniors.”

She discovered that socks are some of the most-needed items in older adults and homeless populations.

“I did some research, and believe it or not, one of the most-needed items for seniors and homeless people are socks,” Jenkins said. “I think sometimes the seniors forget they need to take care of their needs, too, and if providing a pack of socks puts a smile on one senior’s face, then it was worth it.”