A freshman at Granada High School in Livermore, Amelia is gearing up for her sixth winter of providing new socks to the Bay Area's homeless -- people who need fresh socks the most.

Even with the increased pressures of high school, playing sports and having a social life, the teenage girl isn't slowing down.

"I'm used to it," she said. "I know it's something I want to do."

With about 2,000 pairs of socks already collected, Amelia is hoping to surpass last year's effort. She hit a snag when the local Wal-Mart held up its donation because she lacked a nonprofit tax identification number.

Now, armed with the number, Amelia said she expects it will be easier to get what she needs from stores.

But individual donors send many of the socks that Amelia ultimately gives away. People also donate money, which allows her to buy whatever items are needed the most.

Throughout the winter, she and her mother, Sharon White, will take to the streets and homeless shelters to distribute socks, towels and diapers.

While some of the supplies are distributed in the Livermore area, Amelia focuses on Oakland and Berkeley, which have large homeless populations.

"It's good -- she helps a lot of people," her mother said.

And the work is very hands-on.

Amelia and her mom walk the streets of Oakland and Berkeley, including People's Park, to give directly to the homeless.

"They take as many as they can carry," Amelia said.

White said she has no qualms about her daughter's safety because the people she serves are very appreciative.

Amelia's interest in helping the homeless started when she visited her aunt in Oakland as a fourth grader and saw homeless people walking around without any socks..

She said she didn't dismiss the sight because it struck her on a personal level.

"When my feet get cold, my body gets cold," she said.

Increasingly the teenager's efforts have global reach.

She recently sent between 300 and 400 pairs of socks to U.S. soldiers in Iraq. People in Mexico and Pakistan also have received socks from her.

Amelia wants to expand her reach even further and hopes to help needy people in Africa someday.

Sock donations can be dropped off at East Avenue Middle School, 3951 East Ave., Livermore. The school's phone number is (925) 606-4711.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
(510) 208-6447
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lmclaughlin@angnewspapers.com Email