Nothing feels better on your feet than dry, clean socks. And that is really true at this chilly time of the year when socks keep the toes and feet warm.

For lots of folks, getting socks is no problem. For others, it may be a real problem.

Kendra Ollinger is there to help those who struggle to get a basic pair of socks. Ollinger, of Lehigh, is conducting her third annual campaign to collect new socks and then distribute them in Fort Dodge, Manson, Rockwell City, Eagle Grove and Webster City. She hopes to get 4,000 pairs this year.

Doing so would top her previous total of about 3,000 pairs of socks last year. She collected about 2,000 pairs in her first try two years ago.

There are lots similar efforts to collect items for those less fortunate during the holiday season. The vast majority of them are organized by churches or civic groups. What makes the sock drive really remarkable is that it is the effort of one individual, rather than a group. Ollinger probably gets some help from friends and family, but she is driving force behind it. She got the idea for it when a church she once attended did a similar effort. Instead of sending some socks to that church, she created a campaign to provide socks to people in her local area. Her effort to care for people in the area with the simple gift of socks is inspirational.

She will be collecting new pairs of socks through Dec. 10.

Socks can be donated at these locations: Addison James, 1136 Market St., Gowrie; Amigos, 280 N. First St.; Danny’s Hair Fashions, 1902 First Ave. S.; Fort Dodge Recreation Center, 1422 First Ave. S.; Fringe Salon, 931 Main St., Manson; Highway 7 Market, 1118 190th St., Manson; JRG Supply, 1357 Third Ave. N.W.; and Kelso General Merchandise, 35 S. Main St., Dayton.

We encourage everyone to contribute to this effort. It won’t take much effort to pick up some socks while out Christmas shopping, and that simple act could make a major difference for someone.