KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 25, 2019
by Natalie Cook Clark and Ariana Pezeshki
Katy resident Catherine Walker and her three children set a goal to collect sock donations for local charity Clothed By Faith. The Katy Family exceeded their goal collecting and donating just over 700 socks.
The Walker children pose with their donation of socks.
Donating to Charity
Katy mom, Catherine Walker wanted her three children, Sam - five, Jack - seven and Nora- three, to decide on a charity project during the month of December. "We decided on socks as it seemed to be personable and relatable to the kids. We timed it with holiday sales and free shipping hoping that that would encourage others to give," said Walker.
Jack, the oldest set the goal of giving 100 pairs of socks. Counting the socks became a daily after school project. "I had volunteered with Clothed By Faith during Hurricane Harvey. They were so organized and I could tell they were doing beautiful things," said Walker. Clothed By Faith is a Katy-based charity that takes in gently used clothing (new socks and underwear) and distributes them to those in need.
Dining Room Full of Donations
The children discussed their project with their class mates while Catherine sent out a call to action on her personal Facebook page to spread the word of their mission to Katy residents. The outpouring of support reached hundreds, including a lot of other Katy kids who wanted to include their own special mark on the project. "We got hand-written notes to the kids included in shipments of socks and that was really something special. My dining room became our headquarters and was full of socks," said Walker.
The Walker children surpassed their 100 pairs of socks goal in the first week. At the final count when they delivered the socks was 704 pairs. "Clothed By Faith didn't know about our project until I called them and told them that I wanted to bring my kids by for the delivery. They were so nice and even gave the kids a tour of their facility explaining to them all that they do and showing them how their socks would be given to those in need," said Walker. "It was truly a special experience for the kids that further showed the goodness that they had done."
Importance of Giving
Walker says she hopes this charity project she planned for her family teaches her children the importance of giving and collecting something for others, that they may take for granted. "Now we are taking a break from collecting items and I'll enjoy a clear dining room for a while but the kids have already started to discuss ideas for their next project," said Walker.
Executive Assistant Marketing, Events & Development Manager Elizabeth Earnshaw, for Clothed By Faith said, "The 3 children are so sweet and have such kind hearts!"
"The 704 pairs, of mainly new children's socks that they collected for us have been very gratefully received, to replenish our stocks since reopening following our temporary closure at the end of last year for a major renovation and to have our premises extended," says, Earnshaw.
Clothed By Faith always needs volunteers.
If you would like to learn more about donating or volunteering with the Katy charity visit their website: https://www.clothedbyfaith.org/home/volunteer/