Kimberly Peacock hopes to collect 100 pairs of socks by Valentine’s Day.

The Columbia Falls eighth-grader is holding a sock drive for the Abbie Shelter and so far she has about 15 pairs of socks. Peacock is doing the drive as part of her advanced studies class.

The Abbie Shelter is an emergency home in Kalispell for victims of domestic violence. It needs socks for its residents, who often leave home with nothing but the clothes on their back. 

She’s asking community members to donate new pairs of socks and drop them off in collection boxes at Laurie’s Deli and the junior high. She also plans to put them up in O’Brien’s Liquor and Wine and Columbia Falls United Methodist Church.

Peacock, a basketball player and runner, was required to design and perform a project that pushed the boundaries of her mind. Last year for advanced studies, she ran 61 miles that were supported by pledges to support Make-A-Wish Foundation, which helps children with life-threatening medical conditions realize some of their aspirations.

She said this year’s project made her reach out to adults in the community in more of a business manner. Also, she said that interacting with people who have less than she does helps her think differently.

“I like helping people,” Peacock said. “It just makes me feel good inside.”

Her mom told her about how someone else who had helped people by collecting donations, and Peacock thought that was pretty cool.

Her teacher, Paula Koch, suggested helping the Abbie Shelter.

Peacock has plenty of goals in her future. She likes singing and acting, the sciences and medical field, and helping people. She is the daughter of Jim and Heather Peacock.

Students are selected for the advanced studies class based on their grades and leadership skills, Peacock said.