Save Our County's Kids (SOCK) began as a grass-roots neighborhood initiative in 1997 after an eruption of gang violence alerted the Shelton community to the challenges facing their youth.

SOCK was formed with an aim to prevent youth violence, re-direct juvenile energy and provide alternatives to gang membership and involvement. Since its inception, SOCK, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, has provided evening recreational activities, structured after-school educational programs, free nutritious meals, transportation, mentoring, emergency help and employment opportunities for thousands of Mason County's most at-risk youth.