Jeremy Jason wanted his Bar Mitzvah project to have an impact on his community.
The 12-year-old from Braes Heights, Texas, collected more than 800 pairs of socks to be donated to the homeless through his “A Thousand Socks” campaign.
As part of his Bar Mitzvah preparation, Jeremy’s idea for the project grew out of the family’s involvement with the volunteer organization, Food Not Bombs.
The initial goal was 1,000 socks or 500 pair. Now that he already surpassed that number, Jeremy has elevated his goal to collect 1,000 pair of socks to donate to Houston’s homeless before his Bar Mitzvah on February 22, 2014.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
JJ: I decided to take on this project, A Thousand Socks campaign because I feel the homeless are marginalized from society, and do not feel appreciated. I thought that I could help out by giving socks to them so they would change their opinion about themselves and society.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
JJ: My Mitzvah Project started when I began volunteering, at Food Not Bombs in Houston, Texas. We share vegetarian meals with the homeless who are in the downtown area. I learned that the people who we share food with have to walk a lot. So, I decided to give nice, clean socks to help them out. We take for granted that we have a house to live in, a vehicle to use, a shower, or clean clothes. I realized that those people probably have to walk a lot and need comfortable shoes and socks to wear. So I thought I could help out by getting lots of clean, comfortable socks for them to wear to soothe their tired and hurt feet, and maybe make their lives a little bit better.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date?
JJ: I started in May 2013 and will end my campaign in February 2014.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
JJ: It means that I, being a Bar Mitzvah, am obliged to make a difference and that I have certain responsibilities to my community. What I’ve learned is anyone or anything, now matter how small, can make a difference, even a 12-year-old boy collecting socks.
MM: What are you doing to spreading the word?
JJ: I have been giving brief presentations at a few churches. I have put donation boxes in many friendly areas including the Unitarian Fellowship of Houston Church, Three Brothers Bakery, Belden’s Supermarket, and Congregation Brith Shalom. I also receive money donations through my website, A Thousand Socks. Word really spread when I was featured in some local newspapers including the Houston Chronicle, the Examiner, the Village News, and The Jewish Herald.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
JJ: I am intending to keep collecting socks until my Bar Mitzvah, so people can donate to a box as long as the box stays in that area.
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
JJ: If anyone wants to donate this is what I need:
1. Socks can be any color or style
2. Socks must be clean
3. Sock must not have holes
4. Socks must be adult size
5. Socks can be for men or women
We thank Jeremy and the Jason family for sharing this incredible Mitzvah Project with our readers.
