Aspen Students Raise Funds for Kids with Cancer Through Socktober Sock Sale

Aspen Middle School students are taking action to support children diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. Through their Eighth Grade Leadership Club, they are hosting a "Socktober" fundraiser, selling socks to raise money for the Shining Stars Foundation, an organization that provides recreational opportunities for these young patients.

Empowering Young Minds to Make a Difference

Socks for a Cause

From October 14th to 18th, the Eighth Grade Leadership Club will be selling socks in the Aspen Middle School cafeteria during lunch periods. Each pair of socks costs , and a pack of three can be purchased for . The socks were supplied by We Help Two, an organization that specializes in providing funky socks for fundraising campaigns.

Shining Stars Foundation: Bringing Joy and Adventure

The funds raised through the Socktober sock sale will go directly to the Shining Stars Foundation, a Colorado-based nonprofit that hosts over 65 events per year to provide recreational opportunities for children diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. These events include adaptive ski and snowboard programs, as well as activities like hiking, rafting, snowmobiling, sailing, swimming, and climbing.The Shining Stars Foundation's Aspen Winter Games Program, an eight-day adaptive ski and snowboard event, is set to take place on Buttermilk Mountain from March 21-28, 2025. This event will involve over 200 people, including participants, their medical teams, volunteers, and instructors.

Empowering Young Minds to Make a Difference

Hayden Bailey, a student leader of the Eighth Grade Leadership Club, expressed his hope that the recreational opportunities provided by the Shining Stars Foundation will give children diagnosed with cancer a much-needed respite from their difficult circumstances."They've been through a lot with hearing bad news, having to do other things like chemo," Bailey said. "And it just gets their mind off of things. It gives them something to be joyful about."The Eighth Grade Leadership team has worked with the Shining Stars Foundation for multiple years, and they are excited to provide these children with the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Aspen valley."Getting them out onto the slopes and into this beautiful place that we call home is just a really cool experience for them," Bailey added.

A Community-Driven Effort

Andrea Williamson, the Aspen Middle School counselor and advisor to the Eighth Grade Leadership Club, noted that the recreational opportunities provided by the Shining Stars Foundation resonate deeply with the students."They're like, 'Oh, these are kids just like us, our age, and they're doing the stuff that we're doing,'" Williamson said, referring to the students' perspective on the Foundation-led events. "And it actually highlights what Aspen can give back to people."While the students also organize a food drive to meet community needs, Williamson believes that the Socktober fundraiser has a larger impact on the students."That's really important, for the kids to have that bigger picture," she added.

Showing Support Through Socks

Sloane Alexander, a member of the Eighth Grade Leadership Club, emphasized the importance of helping these children experience the vibrant community of Aspen. She believes that the Socktober fundraiser is a great way for students to show their support."People can really show their support because they can wear the socks or the bracelets," Alexander said. "And just show that they supported this."Unlike a bake sale, Alexander noted that the socks and bracelets serve as a lasting reminder of the students' support for the cause."I think that's really good for the students here," she added.

A Call to Action

Dalia Muresan, another member of the Leadership Club, expressed the importance of funding programs like those organized by the Shining Stars Foundation."We should step up and help them out," said Muresan.Elijah Knight, a student leader, echoed this sentiment, stating that the Socktober fundraiser is crucial in helping children diagnosed with cancer to live their lives and spend less time in the hospital.The Aspen community can get involved or volunteer for the Shining Stars Foundation by connecting with them online at shiningstarsfoundation.org. Parents can also donate directly to the Aspen Middle School's Socktober fundraiser through the link in the school district's parent newsletter.Through the dedication and compassion of these Aspen Middle School students, the Socktober fundraiser is poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children facing life-threatening illnesses. By providing them with the opportunity to experience the joys of outdoor recreation, the Eighth Grade Leadership Club is not only raising funds but also spreading hope and inspiration within their community.