Two Ivy girls painting faces at the sock distribution.

TIFTON — The sixth annual “Sock It To ‘Em With Love” sock drive distributed socks to approximately 75 people Saturday.

Commissioner Melissa Hughes, who started and heads up the drive, said that she was worried that the rain would keep people from coming out. While turnout was down from last year, Hughes said that she was very happy that so many turned out.

The socks were distributed at Copeland Park, located on Southern Avenue.

The socks were for all ages, from infants to adults.

Any that were not given out will be saved for next year. Hughes said that they received more donated socks this year than they ever have.

“When I say we live in the best city in the state, Tifton and Tift County is the best,” she said. “They always give. We always go over and beyond.”

Hughes said that she wanted to give a special thanks to Carlos Graham from Thrift Store, who donated three garbage bags of socks to the drive.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and IVY Girls were on hand to help paint faces, serve food and distribute socks.

Partners for the drive are Amerigroup Real Solutions in Healthcare, Tift County and Tifton Housing Authority.

Hughes said the idea came to her when she saw children walking to school in the winter with no socks.

“I want to help ease the burden of the parents or caretakers and show the children some love by having this event right before Valentine’s Day,” Hughes said. “They see the ladies getting roses, candy and cards, I want them to know they are loved as well.” 

Follow Eve Guevara on Twitter @EveGuevaraTTG.