“One video, one comment and over 2,000 socks later, we made a difference,” said Trisha Heintskill, a second grade teacher at All Saints Catholic Elementary School in Bay City.

It all started with the class’s usual morning meeting, which includes a short motivational or inspirational video. One September day, the morning’s video was of the YouTube personality Kid President, played by Robby Novak.

In the video, titled “How Good Spreads,” Kid President encourages viewers to spread kindness and shares the team’s project, Socktober.

“(Kid President) spoke of making a difference and how little acts of kindness can lead to big things! Socktober was an example, since it is the least donated item to those in need. After the video, Adelaila (Costilla) said, ‘Mrs. Heintskill, can we do that?’ To which I excitedly answered, ‘Yes!’” Trisha said.

They began collecting donations of new socks from students, their families and school supporters. A fourth grade student, Sophia Wiegend, added to the collection by organizing a sock drive at Bonnie’s Sewing Center.

“The students were so excited about it. All of them in my class immediately said they wanted to do it! They all really got into it and had a ton of fun making a difference,” Trisha said.

Socktober is one of numerous ways All Saints Cougars seek to help others. A November food drive, for example, totaled more than 1,600 food items donated by students.

“(The students) can see how they can make a difference when we work together,” Trisha said.

The thousands of socks were delivered to the St. James Jail Ministry, the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission and the Bay Area Women's Center, a domestic violence shelter.

As a Catholic school, All Saints encourages students to live out their faith by loving others like Jesus and practicing works of mercy.

“We regularly talk about living life like Jesus and helping those in need. I think the students are very aware of that, and I think Adelaila reacting to the video and immediately wanting to do something shows exactly that,” Trisha said.

An education steeped in virtue and Catholic values can create space for amazing things.

“We can speak openly about living as God wants us to live and being living examples of Jesus’ teachings,” Trisha said. “It’s amazing to be able to speak openly about our faith and see it make a difference in the children.”