East Panhandle Times

Martinsburg North Middle School will hold its annual sock sale on December 7-8, offering community members the chance to purchase affordable socks while supporting local students. The event, held in partnership with Royce Too, a long-standing sock manufacturer in Martinsburg, aims to raise funds for educational activities.

Royce Too has collaborated with North Middle School for several years after seeking a new venue for its sale. The partnership allows the company to contribute to student experiences such as field trips and school events. Kelsey Dusing, a social studies teacher involved since the sale's inception, emphasizes the importance of these fundraisers in providing learning opportunities regardless of students' financial situations.

“We don’t want students’ education to be limited based on their income,” Dusing stated. She highlighted past trips, like one to Washington D.C., that were made possible through such initiatives.

Socks will be sold for one dollar each in the school's cafeteria, with 20% of proceeds benefiting the school. Students will volunteer at the event by organizing and assisting customers. Additionally, the girls' basketball team will host a concurrent bake sale and support the sock sale efforts.

Dusing sees this event as an opportunity to instill community values in students. “Learning to give back to the community that has impacted you is a great life skill,” she noted.

Reflecting on her experience with the fundraiser over several years, Dusing appreciates how it fosters collaboration among participants. She expressed gratitude towards Royce Too for choosing to partner with North Middle School despite having other options available.

“Royce Too could have done the sock sale all on their own, but they chose to work with us,” Dusing remarked about their continued partnership.