Never underestimate the power of warm, dry socks

of socks on feet and the ability to quickly move to action if attacked by the enemy.

Harold’s empathy for soldiers in the war has moved now to the homeless and working poor in Rome. He is concerned that many are sleeping outside at night and walking around during the day with either no socks or dirty and wet socks. If you know Harold, you know he is concerned for not only men, but also women and children.

We discussed frostbite and how it can occur in 30 minutes or less, and well-fitting socks can prevent this. Moisturewicking sock and sock liners are needed for all seasons.

Socks can provide protection from bacteria, blisters and fungi. Clean and well-fitting socks can be just as important to an individual’s health as medication.

Harold challenged me to use this space to seek socks for the homeless this coming winter. Bill Davies, namesake of the Davies Homeless Shelter, says the shelter is always in need of new wool socks and sock liners for the men staying there as they work to get back on their feet. I put emphasis on new because the shelter can’t accept used articles, no matter how good they may be.

As you and your family prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and would like to help Illustration by Lee Field, LField@RN-T.com me meet Harold’s challenge, please bring the socks to the front office of Rome News-Tribune at 305 E. Sixth Ave. Tell the ladies at the counter you have socks and they will put them in my office. I will personally deliver them to the Davies Homeless Shelter. The shelter does not currently offer assistance to women and children, but if you want to include socks for women and children, bring them, and I will get those to a church or clothes closet for distribution to those in need. If you would like, write a note of encouragement and place inside the socks. In addition to warm feet, you can also give a person a warm heart. Thanks for reading and I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.