Legend of the “Sock Tree”

Once upon a time, there was a nice lady named Gussie Morgan. Gussie worked in the special education office as a secretary, and she proudly served on the local chapter of the California School Employees Association (CSEA) as executive board secretary.

During the holiday season, Gussie and her coworkers wanted to help others in the community, so they contacted charities and community service organizations to find out what was needed. Over and over, she were told that, while people donate clothing and shoes, they never seemed to donate socks or undergarments. The special education office organized a sock drive, and — at some point over the next couple years — Gussie had the idea to hang them on a tree.

The “Sock Tree” was born.

Gussie retired in 1988, but the CSEA has not forgotten her. To this day, the chapter executive officers donate a live Christmas tree to the district office, and decorate it with donated socks. Right before winter recess, the tree is delivered to a family in our area, and the socks are taken to a charitable organization.

Over the years, we have worked with H.I.S. (Homeless Intervention Shelter) House, Victory Outreach and our own McKinney-Vento program for homeless students and their families.

Thank you to everyone for your generosity!

Last year’s tree.