Connect With Your Community!
Connect With Your Community!
Sandy O'Rourke is once again giving back to the Three Forks community with year two of "Sox for Seniors." Photos by Emily Smith
Sandy O'Rourke is again collecting items for her "Sox 4 Seniors" project.
Last year, longtime Three Forks resident Sandy O'Rourke, alongside a good friend and local artist, worked together to fundraise and distribute almost 40 Christmas stockings to local senior citizens. Each stocking holds a pair of warm socks, mini personal care items, Christmas Cards prepared with postage, candy, and more. Donations from local businesses such as Three Forks Floral, Family Dollar, and Hollowtop Heating and Cooling were happy to contribute. Iron Horse Cafe and Pie Shop pitched in with coupons for a free piece of their famous pie.
After 40 years working for the USPS, Sandy found she had become rather grinchy when the holiday season rolled around, as this time of year means long hours and lots of work for our postal workers. With Christmas of 2023 inching closer, Sandy noticed many holiday giveaway efforts tended to be geared toward children. After identifying an opportunity to fill a need along with an understanding that many retirees are on a fixed income and would welcome similar efforts and may find themselves feeling lonely or forgotten during the holiday season, "Sox 4 Seniors" was born. A project that would work together with local organizations, such as the Three Forks Senior Center and Headwaters Area Food Bank, to direct these stockings to our neighbors who could most benefit, not only from their contents but a kind smile and holiday wishes from someone who cares.
A Three Forks community member has this to say: "I was so touched by how well thought out these stockings were. Alongside a coupon for a free piece of Iron Horse Pie, they were $3, enough to get a cup of coffee."
Donations are currently being accepted, including decks of cards, Christmas mugs with warm drink mixes, postage, mini candy canes, Christmas stockings (big and gift card size), and, most importantly, warm socks.
Please email Sandy at [email protected] or message her via Facebook if you are interested in learning more.
When asked about what taking an active role to affect positive change in the Three Forks Community means to her, Sandy said, "Sox 4 Seniors has helped me enjoy Christmas again."
