“Living to serve” means turning compassion into action, and South Iredell’s FFA chapter did just that. What began as a single donation grew into an extensive service project that embodies the FFA motto of “Living to Serve.” Through a partnership with Wilson Brown Sock Company, the chapter received 30,000 pairs of new socks. Then, members made it their mission to distribute these socks to those most in need.
Supporting Fifth Street Ministries Through Service
Right away, the chapter knew the most significant impact it could make was with Fifth Street Ministries. This local homeless shelter serves Iredell County, N.C., and the surrounding areas.
The “Living to Serve” spirit guided the South Iredell FFA Service Project, which helped those facing homelessness. It also demonstrated that something as simple as clean, warm socks can mean the world to someone by bringing comfort and restoring a sense of dignity.
South Iredell FFA officers delivered 25,000 socks to Fifth Street Ministries as part of the 30,000 sock donation project.
Teamwork Embodies the Spirit of Service
Hauling all those socks wasn’t easy; the South Iredell FFA Service Project embodied the value of teamwork. Two chapter officers, one advisor and three alumni loaded and unloaded two trailers four times. As a result, everything was delivered.
“It was hard work, but every trip reminded us why we were doing this,” says one of the participating officers. “Knowing how many lives will be touched made every load worth it,” adds another participating officer.
Building Community Partnerships
After delivering to Fifth Street Ministries, the South Iredell FFA Service Project didn’t stop there. Instead, the chapter organized the remaining socks into a store-style setup. This allowed local law enforcement and children’s shelters to pick out what they needed most. By using this strategy, resources were distributed efficiently and directly to those who could use them to help others.
South Iredell FFA Reporter Carson Ball (center) stands with local law enforcement in front of thousands of pairs of socks organized for donation.
National Impact: Service Beyond North Carolina
The South Iredell FFA Service Project also extends outside of North Carolina. By expanding the impact nationally, the project continues to embody the “Living to Serve” spirit. Now, South Iredell FFA plans to transport the remaining socks to Indianapolis, Ind., for the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo. At the event, members will assemble care bags with socks and other essentials. Afterward, they will personally deliver these to individuals experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis.
“It reflects exactly what FFA is about,” says one of the chapter’s advisors. “It’s students, teachers and alumni working side by side to serve others. The scale of this donation shows the power of community partnerships, but the heart of the project comes from our members who put in the work.”
Living to Serve
With every trailer loaded, every bag packed and every pair of socks delivered, the South Iredell FFA Service Project shows that leadership and service go hand in hand. This chapter’s dedication to “living to serve” shines through every aspect of the project.
Not only do members serve local shelters in Iredell County, but they’re also planning to reach the national stage in Indianapolis. This project shows how one chapter can make a difference for thousands of people. Along the way, its commitment touches every state it passes through.
