The Chilton County High School chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions and the Chilton-Shelby Mental Health Center worked together to give the residents at Hatley Health Care nursing home a special gift for Christmas.

“The kids thought up the idea of Operation Happy Sock after deciding not to raise money or toys for another toys for kids drive,” said Zina Cartwell, Chilton-Shelby Mental Health Prevention Coordinator. “The kids said that too many places in the county were raising money for kids, and they wanted to do something different so they raised money and sock donations for the seniors.”

The SADD chapter was able to raise 500 pairs of socks with the help of the community. When the drive was over, the students packed up the socks and delivered them to the nursing home.

“We have 147 residents here and it was wonderful getting the donation. We were able to give each resident a pair and still have some left over to save for when the dryer decides to eat a few,” said Amy Daniel, a social worker at Hatley Health Care.

The CCHS SADD Chapter has grown since last year, with 80 students taking part in the program this year compared to 25 kids last year.

“The kids are starting to show a lot more interest in the program, and the more kids that join in the fight against drinking and driving and drugs the better,” Cartwell said.