An old-fashioned, handcrafted toy has found its way back onto the public's radar: the sock monkey.

Currently appearing in stores -- both in finished form and in do-it-yourself kits -- are the stuffed monkeys made from the brown-and-white work socks with the trademark red heels.

They're also part of a volunteer effort during the month of October to help those who can't afford socks, let alone sock monkeys.

"People certainly pass on their used clothing, but you don't pass on used socks, and people don't think to donate new socks," said Linda Soldressen, who heads the sock drive for the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Allegheny County. "You see homeless people and realize their shoes aren't in good condition ... just imagine their socks!

"Because it's not as great a financial burden, it allows a lot of our fixed-income seniors to donate something meaningful without a lot of expense."

This is the first year volunteers are making and donating sock monkeys to call attention to the fact that homeless kids need socks as well as to create toys that can comfort homeless children.

Called Put Your Best Foot Forward, the drive was most successful last year, Ms. Soldressen said, in part because Steelers kicker Jeff Reed took part, as he is this year.

The Allegheny County Library Association also has partnered with the organization since the sock project began.

"Some libraries do specific programming around it," Ms. Soldressen said. "For instance, one library had a sock hop and the admission was a pair of socks."

Ms. Soldressen likes the sock-making part of the project because it requires different skills -- those who can't sew can stuff the monkeys -- and because it brings back memories for those of a certain age who recall playing with sock monkeys as children.

Sewickley Public Library held a "Sock Monkey Making Marathon" that drew youngsters and adults.

"I've never sewed before, but this is really fun," said Victoria Brunson, 13, of Sewickley, who took part. "It's really cool the kids can have these little guys and help make them happy."

There's still time to donate men's, women's and children's new socks. Call your local library to see if it is participating in the Put Your Best Foot Forward campaign. For a list of Allegheny County libraries, visit www.aclalibraries.org and click on member libraries.

-- Jill Cueni-Cohen

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