Socks For Kids

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                      November 12, 2003
           

SOCKS FOR KIDS

Columbia area staffing service, Caroline & Company, teams with Rainbow House, a local emergency shelter for abused and neglected children of all ages, in a colossal effort to cover as many feet as humanly possible with new socks this Holiday season.

Clients, staffing employees and giving-friends are invited to drop off, by December 22^nd, multiple pairs of new socks in any size, color or design appropriate for kids, age newborn to eighteen, at the C & C office, 311 S. Providence Road, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Individuals or businesses that can’t get by C & C office during business hours are invited to call 573-449-3109 to request free pick-ups of multiple “Socks For Kids” donations.  In fact, C & C owner and executive director, Caroline J. Maher, suggests, “ Why not have your employees fill up a little duffle bag with new socks and we’ll gladly come get them?    I know from my own positive involvement with Rainbow House, when their children move on to more permanent placement, they are always given a duffle bag or suitcase filled with clean clothing, shoes, a quilt, books and a toy.”

According to Rainbow House’s executive director, Sharon Tepper, “Socks are the hardest clothing item for us to come by for our kids.  Generally, socks don’t have enough lifespan to be passed on second-hand.  We are so excited about the “Socks For Kids” campaign!” 

Last year, Rainbow House provided services to over 444 mid-Missouri children – 192 of which stayed at Rainbow’s emergency shelter.  With a current building campaign under way for a new facility, Tepper indicated, this coming year the number of children admitted for emergency shelter could easily reach 250.  That’s 500 big and small feet and over 2,500 toes that will need multiple pairs of socks. 

When asked about her prediction for the “Socks for Kids” effort, C & C general manager, Holly Schneider, indicated, “ Since the Holidays are traditionally a time for giving, we sure hope the mid-Missouri elves feel touched to join in our effort to help old Santa put new socks on each and every resident Rainbow House child for the coming year.  The old fellow left a huge basket in our office lobby; and we really want to fill it to the top.  Please help!”

Rumor has it that Santa will be watching to see who in mid-Missouri is nice.