Local Faith Groups Hold 'Warm The Soles' Drive to Collect Socks For Afghan Refugees

Two Tulsa faith groups are teaming up to host a sock drive for Afghan refugees.

The goal for "Warm the Soles" is to collect 1,800 new socks for people of all ages. Hundreds of Afghan refugees have been making a new home in Tulsa. Several Tulsa non-profits and faith groups have been helping and say the need is long-term.

"Because this is not going to be an overnight thing,” said Reverend Chris Moore, the Board President for the Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry.

He says on average, groups in Tulsa help a few hundred people resettle each year. Now, they're helping that many and more in only a few months. Moore says the numbers are unlike any resettlement before, added onto extreme trauma.

"Tulsa's such a generous community and whenever we ask for things, people really show up and deliver and have lots of compassion and generosity,” Moore said.

An example is the "Warm the Soles" Sock Drive. The Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry is partnering with the Jewish Federation of Tulsa to give as many socks as possible to Afghan refugees.

Jewish Federation of Tulsa Executive Director Aida Nozick says the drive started a week ago and they've already collected several hundred.

"Socks are essential, they're necessary. They keep our feet warm especially now that winter is coming,” Nozick said.

It’s a basic need with a deeper purpose. She says even if they can relieve just one burden for a family, this is worth it.

"This is just one small piece of the bigger, overall picture. And if we could find those ways, even though they may be small, are very impactful and important still,” Nozick said.

You can drop off socks in a box inside the main entrance of the Jewish Federation of Tulsa at 2021 East 71st Street.