Just down the road from our little neighborhood of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, the need is great. Many homes are gone, flooded, wiped out, total losses.

One of my sis-in-laws went to volunteer at the local Hurricane Shelter set up at the middle school. She spread the word about what items people needed, including socks. I went over there that same night with clothes and socks to donate.

I couldn't get the socks thing out of my head. People needed socks. People were walking around barefoot. But it was more than that, this sort-of obsession about socks. Putting socks on cold feet signifies warmth and comfort - a small bit of goodness during what will be a long and difficult road. It bothered me all night. And thus, Socks for Sandy was born.

You can help us gather up some warmth to share by collecting socks, gloves and winter hats - for men, women and children of all ages - and sending them to:

Socks for Sandy

P.O. Box 520

Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087

Please mail by Friday, November 9, since the need is urgent.

I will receive all packages and immediately take these to the local hurricane shelter for distribution. Any excess will be given to the other hurricane shelters up and down New Jersey's coastline.

Another option:Donating directly to the Red Cross is still the fastest way to get your money into the hands of those who need it the most.

I want to thank my friends from all over who are making Socks for Sandy a reality.And I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your help.~Laura