Three-hundred sixty-three pairs of socks were sorted and bagged and will be finding their way on people-in-need’s feet, thanks to Bella Vista Elementary students and their families.

Inspired by actor and former YouTuber Robby Novak, who portrays Kid President, “the students heard his uplifting message about National Socktober Month and said, ‘let’s do that,’” third-grade teacher Wendie Nielson said.

During the month of October, the studentbody of 215 gathered kids’, men’s and women’s socks before Nielson’s class sorted and counted them.

“We had men’s work socks, warm fuzzy socks, cute pairs for kids,” she said. “We just had bins outside our classroom so it was easy for everyone to donate socks if they could.”

Third-grader Rachel Carruth brought in 20 pairs of children’s socks she picked out at a store.

“I picked some with rainbows and others with bright colors,” she said. “I wanted to help them feel happy and stay warm during the year. I know some homeless don’t have much clothing, so I wanted to help.”

Her classmate Owen Van Orden also brought in 20 pairs of socks “to help the homeless stay warm and safe; I want them to have a better life.”

Eight-year-old Miguel Soares helped sort the socks.

“It’s hard for them when they don’t have enough money for rent and have to live outside or seek some shelter,” he said. “It’s important that everyone do something for them if they can.”

Nielson planned to take the socks to The Road Home Shelter in Midvale in early November.

Through the sock drive, she said students are learning organizational skills, practicing their counting skills and reflecting and expressing orally what they liked about the project. And, she added, students are learning about community service.

“Our students are learning empathy and that not everyone has what they need, not even socks,” she said. “They’re understanding that giving and kindness are important.”