Bacon Academy Senior Soccer Star Organizes Sock Drive

For the fourth year in a row, Bacon Academy senior Sam Blumberger has organized the “Stars, Socks & Stripes” donation drive with the hopes of collecting as socks, which will be given to local military veterans.

Blumberger, who is a captain and leading scorer from the Bobcats soccer team, was inspired to start the program four years ago while visiting New Jersey for a soccer tournament.

“I saw people that were being affected and I wanted to try and help them out,” said Blumberger, who has military veterans in his family.

Over the years the charitable drive has grown in popularity, both in donations and locations to donate. 
“It’s very rewarding,” added Blumberger, who added he’d like to keep the drive going no matter where life takes him. “I definitely want this to continue after this year.”

Blumberger, who was born and raised in Colchester, will soon be wrapping up his senior season on the soccer field. He said the Bobcats, who won seven of eight games at home this season, have “really come together and gotten a lot better since the start of the season.”

Just like the team, the sock drive has come together, improving each year. Blumberger has been pleased that the donations have become more plentiful with each passing year.

New packages or single pairs of socks are welcomed and can be donated at three drop-off locations: Bacon Academy High School, Cragin Memorial Library, and Town Hall until November 5th.

The young philanthropist will then take the donated socks to the American Legion where they will be distributed to those in need, giving United States veterans warmth and comfort during the winter and beyond.

​Blumberger added that over the years he’s donated countless pairs of his own socks and encourages others with the means to do so too, “It’s something that anybody can do and a way for people to give back for a good cause.”