Home » » Operation Happy Socks - At a Shelter Near You!

News

Operation Happy Socks - At a Shelter Near You!

February 24, 2006, 12:0AM MT

By T V

"Operation Happy Socks" works with volunteers to create and deliver catnip toys to homeless cats in animal shelters across U.S.

"Operation Happy Socks" works with volunteers to create and deliver catnip toys to homeless cats in animal shelters across U.S. communities nation wide. Volunteers make simple toys, called "Happy Socks," by stuffing catnip and polyester fiberfill in the toe of a sock and tying a knot at the ankle. Simple, but a GREAT catnip toy! A big, fluffy, soft irresistible “Happy Sock” is the feline equivalent of a cuddly teddy bear; a warm companion in the often stark confines of a shelter cage.

Operation Happy Sock is the brainchild of Founder Martha Powers. Right here in East Brunswick (EB), New Jersey, Brownie Troop #116 has partnered with Powers’ organization to donate Happy Socks to the NJ community. And they WANT YOUR SOCKS!

The Brownie Troop, led by Maria Sapia and Hali Figueroa, consists of 18 girls ages 7-8, who volunteer their time sorting, stuffing, decorating, and personally delivering hundreds of Happy Socks to the community.

So far, the EB Troop has visited the Edison Township Shelter, Pet Smart in EB, VCA Animal Hospital, the Animal Rescue Force in EB, and other private shelter/foster homes for homeless cats.

Given this is a nationally organized ongoing project, the troop maintains a count of how many Happy Socks are delivered so they can report back to Martha. Recently, Maria found out that troop 116 was in the running for second place in the NATION! Yep, that means that this troop of 18, 7-8 year old Brownie’s has made enough happy socks to possibly place 2nd in the whole nation! That’s a LOT of Happy Socks, and a whole bunch of Happy Cats to boot! Even more amazing, this troop is still very young, only two years in operation! WOW!

Of course, the girls are absolutely ecstatic to hear this. Plus, they enjoy visiting the cats and love animals in general (what 7 year old girl doesn’t?) which means they really want to exceed their goal! The more Happy Socks, the more visits there will be to play with kitties (hint hint!)

According to Maria, the troop could really use some donations to make the girls’ goal possible, oh… and make a whole lot of cats really happy! They have received help from neighboring troops (Allentown-Washington gave them 500 socks!), but this program lasts for a full year.

They are collecting donations and materials now, in preparation for the largest Brownie-Troop-Happy-Sock-Stuffing-Party, East of the Delaware, to close their year-long adventure in June. That’s the last month that they’ll have to get all those Happy Socks created!

Here’s what they would be most appreciative of:
~ Clean socks (run them through the washer first). Sweat socks and fuzzy socks are terrific! Any size socks are welcome. Even socks with holes in them are fine – the girls are experts at making a toy from almost any sock!
~ Polyester fill (like what goes inside pillows)
~ Kitty-grade Catnip
Keep in mind, socks that are not acceptable are thin synthetics or nylons because kitties have sharp claws, and even sharper teeth, and these just aren’t durable enough.

So... it’s time to clean out our sock drawers and admit that all those lonely socks will never find their mates again!! Why not give them a second life as a Happy Sock!

If you can donate any of these items or want to help some other way, please contact Maria Sapia at 732-545-5245 or via email at mgsapia@aol.com Donations can also be dropped off at: GS Council, 108 Church Lane, East Brunswick, NJ 08816.

“Thanks for your interest in this project, just when you feel that you are not important enough, something happens and it makes it all worthwhile.” ~ Maria Sapia

Photo: Maria’s daughter Jessica age 7, and her 3-year old sister (brownie-to-be) Alyssa delivering happy socks to the Pet Smart on Rt. 18 in EB.

Thank you on behalf of cats everywhere!
Visit “Operation Happy Sock” online at www.operationhappysock.org

by tina, best friends volunteer

Comments

Posted March 01, 2006, 1:51PM by CarolynE

This is great giving cats at an animal shelter something to play with. What a great idea!

Posted February 24, 2006, 10:43PM by tina

On a personal note, Maria was kind enough to send me a ‘sample’ of Happy Socks in the mail. I must say, they are absolutely adorable! Different colors, shapes, and so many different faces they made me smile! One of the Happy Socks fell out of the envelope when I opened my package. To my surprise Max, our MinPin, took one sniff of the sock... okay, several sniffs. And instead of turning his nose and walking away from it, he amazed us by grabbing it and racing around the house with this new cat toy in his mouth! Shaking it, tossing it, snarfling all over it, and after about 20 minutes of playing his heart out with it, he fell asleep next to it! It’s his new favorite toy!

So, Maria, and Happy Socks, congratulations!! Not only do these tiny gifts of love bring happiness to feline friends, but apparently they make puppy dogs happy too!

Posted February 27, 2006, 9:42AM by beth

What a TERRIFIC story!!

Posted March 15, 2006, 12:3PM by scratchtopaz

What a beautiful program - getting kids involved and helping the kitties in need. It's really inspiring to know that we can all make a difference!! Bravo!!

Go Local

Find information relevant to you:

Go Mobile!

Take the Network with you!
Sign up to receive text alerts
from our new mobile network.

Message and data rates may apply.
Read our Privacy Policy.

Your contribution today will

help us create a future with

No More Homeless Pets

Follow Best Friends

From Best Friends...

Best Friends text message alerts are available on most carriers. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Reply HELP for help, Stop to cancel. For more information and full terms visit mGive.com/e