A national charity hopes to expand into the Hinesville for the holidays.

Socks for Seniors, a nonprofit service project, organizes, collects and distributes new socks for senior citizens.

The program benefits those living alone, in nursing homes or the homeless.

“Socks for Seniors began accidentally 15 years ago in Columbus, Ohio, when I was visiting senior communities all over Ohio doing a music therapy program,” organizer Jamie Coyne said. “Often, my wife, Kitty, would go along, and she got to know many of the residents. One day, she noticed that one lady who was normally in good spirits wasn’t quite herself. When asked what the problem was she replied, ‘My feet are freezing.”

The lady’s socks were worn out and had holes in them. The solution seemed simple, so Kitty Coyne left, then returned a few minutes later with a new pair of socks.  

“Not only did it serve its purpose, but it made the lady’s day,” Jamie Coyne said.

The program is currently in more than 500 cities.

Socks for Seniors is looking for coordinators in and around Hinesville. The coordinator decorates boxes and finds locations for donations.

To volunteer, sign up at www.socksforseniors.com/register.html.