Antioch, McHenry movie theaters raise money for socks for soldiers

Antioch and McHenry downtown theaters are supporting troops with a Fox Socks For Soldiers raffle, which ends July 4.

Theater patrons can purchase $1 raffle tickets or 6 for $5, with all proceeds raised going toward the purchase of American-made Fox River socks from the wish lists of deployed U.S. soldiers.

“When I went online and saw this, I started crying because it was like our soldiers are over there, asking for socks — basic socks,” said Cindy Kottke, president of “C” You At The Movies, which owns both the theaters.

The company has raised $1,000 so far between the two theaters. The more money they raise, the bigger discount on the socks.

Kottke said after this year’s success, she would like to make the fundraiser an annual event.

The socks, provided by Wisconsin-based Fox River Mills, come in many varieties. Soldiers create wish lists on the Fox River Mills website, so donors can provide them with what they need. Samples of the socks are on display at both theaters, Kottke said.

“I went and saw the military-issued socks, and when you see these (Fox River) socks, it’s like night and day,” Kottke said. “They’re made in 20 different styles for specific tours and locations. I never realized there were so many different things they took into consideration.”

The raffle’s grand prize is a one-year supply of movies, soft drinks and popcorn worth $330. Other prizes include four Fourth of July date night gift baskets worth $40 each.

Kottke added with a laugh that the need for socks is one with which moviegoers may already be familiar.

“When you watch ‘Forrest Gump’ or any other military movie, everybody in the movies says, ‘Change your socks! Change your socks!’” she said. “With the Fourth of July, we need to be reminded that these ladies and guys are still over there. This is a great opportunity to let the community know (about the need).”