The Spectrum Club’s sock drive collected a total of 187 pairs of socks, which they decided to donate to the Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking in Akron and Medina. They held the exchange with a representative from the center on January 8 at Wadsworth High School.

“The students wanted to do something to give back during the holidays,” said Jay Minkin, the co-advisor of the Spectrum Club. “The sock drive seemed to be something very simple and easy, and what we collected was way beyond our expectations.”

Previously, the group’s student leader, Nimiah Mata, mentioned that she wanted to expand the club’s horizons beyond the LGBTQ community so more students might feel comfortable joining.

At the exchange, Community Engagement Coordinator for Hope & Healing, Delaney Jones, expressed how much these kinds of donations mean to the organization.

“Every single survivor that comes in our building, sometimes all they have is just the clothes on their back, and sometimes they don’t have the funds to purchase these types of items,” Jones said. “So these donations are always super important.”

Jones went on to explain that Hope & Healing was a safe space that can be reached at any time, day or night.

“We are completely anonymous, so whether you want to give us a name or give us your name, we are here to help 24/7 with the only 24/7 hotline that anyone can call,” Jones said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in middle school, high school or college. Just call, and we can find a way to help.”

Minkin also said he is grateful that this has allowed the Spectrum Club to get its name out while also giving the kids the opportunity to give back to their community.

“We really appreciate all the students and staff who made a donation,” Minkin said. “This would not have been able to happen without them.”