STRUTHERS — What started as a small service project has now grown into a school-wide annual sock drive and partnership with national retailer Bombas.

Bombas is a maker of socks, slippers, T-shirts and underwear whose mission since its inception in 2013 has been to help those experiencing homelessness. For every item purchased, they donate an item on the buyers’ behalf. They’ve donated more than 150 million items to more than 4,000 community organizations to date.

Struthers Middle School has been partnering with Bombas for 10 years to help the homeless. To celebrate their decade-long dedication, students collected 10,000 pairs of new socks to distribute across the Mahoning Valley this fall.

Teacher and donation organizer Amber Bonilla said, “This project began 10 years ago when our class read “The Family Under the Bridge” by Natalie Savage Carlson, a story that highlights the struggles of homelessness among both adults and children. Each year, we continue to read this text as the inspiration that prompts our annual sock distribution project.”

The first class to read the book researched what people experiencing homelessness needed most and discovered that new socks were at the top of the list.

“Around the same time, we came across Kid President’s Socktober initiative and decided to join the challenge. That year, our students at Struthers Middle School collected 1,000 pairs of socks for those in need,” Bonilla said.

Since then, the project has grown incrementally.

“With the generous support of Bombas, our students now write to the company requesting socks to distribute throughout our community. Thanks to this partnership, we are able to share 10,000 pairs of brand new Bombas socks this year,” Bonilla said

To make the experience meaningful, students were given a list of local charities, along with videos explaining each organization’s mission. They then wrote to Bonilla about which charity they believe needed the socks the most. Afterward, students took the lead in contacting charities, organizing pickups and helping with distribution.

This year, the socks were distributed to the following community organizations:

• Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Mahoning District Council.

• Dorothy Day House, Youngstown.

• Youngstown Blue Coats of Hubbard.

• Struthers Middle School Care Closet.

• Struthers Senior Citizens Van.

• Soles of Luv.

• Clothed in Strength.

• The Red Door-Christ Lutheran Church in Struthers.

• Blessed to Bless.

• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown.

“This project not only meets a critical need but also empowers students to see how their actions can make a difference in the lives of others,” Bonilla said.

Students who were involved in the project were touched by the experience of collecting and giving to those in need. Fifth-grade student Damion Maiden said, “I was happy that homeless people were able to stay warm because of the socks we gave them. I think everyone deserves to be warm.”

Mu’syah Gibbs, also in fifth grade, said, “I felt proud of myself for doing something kind. The Youngstown Blue Coats do great things for the homeless, and we were able to help them too.”

Sixth grader Milena Martin said, “I chose Dorothy Day House because they give socks to people on shower days. I liked that they also serve a nice meal and have activities for everyone to enjoy together.”

“I liked learning about The Youngstown Blue Coats because they bring their bus to people who are homeless and give them weather boots. I thought it would be nice to have a clean, dry, warm pair of socks to wear with the boots. They also focus on helping veterans, and since veterans fight for our freedom, they shouldn’t have cold feet,” sixth grader Ayrabella Newsome said.

Sixth grader Aryanna Goist said, “I liked The Youngstown Blue Coats because they help keep homeless people warm, and our socks will add to that.”

“I liked The Youngstown Blue Coats because they give coats, boots, hats and gloves to the homeless. I also liked Dorothy Day House because they let people shower on Tuesdays and give them clean clothes. Our socks will really help keep their feet warm and comfortable,” said sixth grader Cory Dodd-Baumgartner.

“We are so proud of our students, staff, and the entire Struthers community for continuing to grow this amazing tradition. We are so thankful for Bombas for their incredible generosity and support year after year,” Bonilla said.