HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Shenandoah Automotive Service Center in Harrisonburg has hosted a children’s sock drive each holiday season since 2017. This year, the community donated 600 pairs for pediatric patients in the emergency department at Sentara RMH Medical Center. According to their press release, Thursday’s delivery brings the eight-year total to 14,000 pairs of socks donated.

“It’s a good feeling. We’ve always been community-minded as a shop, and it’s always nice just to see the community come together,” said Steven Faught, Shenandoah Automotive Service Center service advisor. “The community is the reason that we’re here, and they’re the reason we are as successful as we are. It’s just good to be able to give back a little bit as well.”

“When people come into our emergency department, they’re facing some of their worst times,” said Cory Davies, RMH Foundation executive director. “To have something, even though it might seem like a small gesture, it means a lot to those families and to those kids who need that extra comfort.”

As the effort has grown through the years, Faught said the sock drive has brought new faces into Shenandoah Automotive. He hopes the community’s giving spirit will continue for years to come.

“We have people that we’ve never seen before bringing socks,” said Faught. “Hopefully, we keep getting bigger and better. I’m excited to see 20,000 and then 25,000. Hopefully, we’ll keep it going for as long as we can.”

Davies wants the community to know the sock donations have made a lasting impact.

“It’s such a compassionate way to reach out to our youngest patients and let them know that the community cares about them and about helping them get well,” he said.