For nearly a year Alison has been working hard to support our troops abroad. In fact, she's spent over 700 hours on military-support projects. Last November the eighth grader began the project Socks for Soldiers (later renamed Operation Socks for Our Troops) to collect warm, wool socks for those serving in the cold, mountainous regions of Afghanistan.
Her initial goal was to collect 500-1,000 pairs of socks. When the Associated Press and other news organizations learned of her story, the sock campaign went nationwide. Since then, she has collected more than 5,200 pairs of socks as well as more than $5,400 in cash and in-kind contributions for soldiers in Afghanistan and some areas of Iraq.
Operation Socks for Our Troops has received national support from a variety of organizations including 4-H Clubs and Girl Scout troops, churches, veterans groups and universities.
Not only has the project helped provide support for soldiers, but it's inspired others to give back to their communities. A middle school student in Illinois heard about Alison's project over the radio and was inspired to collect over 800 pairs of socks in his community. A mother in California said her sons were motivated to send their Halloween candy to the troops because of Alison's positive example.
Since 2005, Alison has sent more than 1,000 letters of support and even more toiletries, snacks and other needed items to the troops. Prior to the sock drive, she spearheaded a Girl Scout cookie drive that resulted in 550 boxes of cookies being sent to soldiers in Iraq and those recovering at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Alison selflessly gives of herself to others and believes we owe a debt of gratitude to those who sacrifice daily to preserve our freedom.
We're certain the troops are grateful to Alison for her endless efforts.
