927 'Socks 'n' Jocks' were given to MQI this Friday as part of 600 Socks 'n' Jocks challenge, a student-led initiative run by the TY's this week, 6-9th December, for Merchant's Quay Ireland. All student's and teachers were asked to buy one new pair of socks and underwear for MQI for the homeless.
The goal was to give 600 new pairs of 'Socks 'n' Jocks' to MQI on Friday, 9th December, at our whole-school assembly. It was also run as a house competiton where the house that collects the most items wins. The winnning house was Duchesne. They had been coming last for the whole event by a long shot but on the final day pulled it together! The goal was achieved with 927 'Socks 'n' Jocks' in total collected, it was amazing to get 927 items - more than we ever expected! They were to given to Emma Murphy, MQI, on Friday at assembly.
Merchant's Quay Ireland provides services to the homeless, drug abusers and their families. They operate a tea/coffee room, which Emma explained to us. People can come have a hot shower and are given a new pair of clean socks and underwear, some of which now will have been given by Mount Anville, and then have a coffee or tea.
Although it is something small giving a pair of socks or underwear, we don't realise the luxury of it. Coming up to the cold Christmas season, it is a practical way of helping people in need. It is also a great way of promoting our goal of Social Awareness this year. As Ronald Reagan said, "We can't help everyone but everyone can help someone".
Thank you to all who contributed to the great and worthwhile cause!
Isabelle McCarthy