Beauty queen conducts sock drive for homeless veterans

Special to Leader-Press 

Central Texans have enjoyed unseasonable warm temperatures the last couple of weeks, but winter looms ahead. One item that tops the list in just about any region of the country for the homeless is socks. Fresh socks are surprisingly hard to come by in homeless shelters, but they make a huge difference in the comfort level and cleanliness of the individuals. Socks become a particularly important donation in the wintertime.

Copperas Cove Five Hills Junior Ambassador Hayley Sawyer’s platform of service is H3: Hayley Helps the Homeless with a concentration on homeless veterans. 

“When I heard that socks are one of the most requested items by the homeless, I knew we had to help fix it,” Sawyer said. “Operation Stand Down Central Texas accepts donations for homeless veterans all year long. During the colder months, it is harder for those on the streets to stay warm and a pair of socks can go a long way.” 

Sawyer led a collection drive at St. Joseph’s Catholic School printing flyers and making the donation box that she spray painted and to which she added glitter to draw attention. Her collection drive flyers appeared on the box and the front doors of the school and were sent home with students and staff. Sawyer also broadcast the opportunity to donate on the school’s television news station. She also distributed flyers to all of the students and faculty.

Operation Stand Down Central Texas founder Joann Courtland said the donation will be such a great part of what her organizaion supplies to the homeless veterans. 

“Clean dry socks are so very important to our veterans when they are on the street. Hayley’s hard work on this drive is so very welcome,” Courtland said. “Operation Stand Down Central Texas is so very humbled and thankful for Hayley’s continued support of our mission. Her support has really made a significant impact on what we can provide to those we serve.”

Sawyer has donated her profits from Lemonade Day to the organization the last two year and supported homeless veterans through additional collection drives.

“My sister Five Hills Royalty titleholders also donated so many socks of every color and this drive wouldn’t be possible without them. Everyone came together and donated, overflowing the collection box full of socks of all sizes. I am so excited that we will be able to make such a difference for all the homeless veterans going into the wintertime.”

Sawyer is planning a blanket collection drive for homeless veterans during the holiday season.