Shoe Sensation store in Buckhannon collecting socks for military, local veterans

“We ask that you come to the store and purchase socks for donations and receive 20% off any socks for our veterans and troops. You are welcome to do outside donations and all we ask it that they are kept in their original packaging,” Aegan said.

She explained that the local Shoe Sensation store is partnering with VFW Post 3663 and Col. Robert Kincaid for distribution of the socks this year.

“Last year was a very exciting year for us as we donated 1,230 pairs of socks to the VFW, from just this little store. The year before last we donated 2,300 pairs of socks to the VA Hospital in Clarksburg,” she said.

“We were amazed with all of the love and support the community gives us through their donations,” Aegan said.

In total, the entire Shoe Sensation company donated over 50,000 pairs of socks last year.

“We will try as much as we can to keep these socks right here in Upshur County, but there are a lot of needs throughout the area as well. This is about helping veterans and soldiers, and we are confident that Col. Kincaid will get them to those who need them the most,” Aegan said.

Shoe Sensation is a regional chain of name brand family shore stores and has over 200 retail locations participating in the Socks 4 Troops and Veterans donation drive. This is the eighth year the company has collected socks for distribution to local veterans and military personnel. Shoe Sensation stores will have military-approved socks for customers to purchase and donate in store, at a 20% discount.

David Bateman is the director of Community Connections for the company, and he created the Socks 4 Troops and Veterans program for Shoe Sensations.

“It has been a tough year for everyone in our communities,” he said in a news release. “This is no exception for the country’s military personnel. A small gesture can go a long way in providing them with comfort during the holidays. We appreciate the sacrifices of our armed forces and their families make in their personal lives to protect our safety and our country’s interests. This is one we can show our appreciation to the men and women who serve and to our veterans that have served our country.”

The Buckhannon Shoe Sensation store will take donations until Dec. 31. The store is located at 100 Skyline Plaza Drive next to Kroger. Their phone number is (304) 472-9400 and they are open for business Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.