Published: July 24, 2008 06:20 am         

Salvation Army plans ‘brief’ event

DANVILLE — This year the Danville Salvation Army wants to send local kids back to school with some new undergarments.

And they are seeking the community’s help by asking them to “Drop Their Drawers for the Salvation Army.”

The uniquely named event will be held during the Summer Sounds Concert on Friday night at Temple Plaza, Vermilion and North streets.

Captain Tammy Whitney said, “We will have a 12-passenger van there, and we want to fill it with underwear, socks, backpacks and school supplies.”

The socks and underwear are a new twist to this year’s school supply drive, which will be distributed to local children ages 5-17 on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9 a.m. Aug. 6 at the Salvation Army’s headquarters, 855 E. Fairchild St.

Captain Rob Whitney said he hopes the corps can prepare 600 area children for the start of school.

Jim Crose, vice chairman of the Salvation Army board, said he hopes the light-hearted event Friday night will get the community more familiar with the local organization and its good work.

“We want to try and get the community involved,” he said.

“You remember the first day of school when you were a kid and it was nice to have new clothes,” Crose said.

To spice up the school supply collection Friday night, there will be a boxer short contest for adults during the break in the Summer Sounds Concert at about 7 p.m.

Crose said Mardi Gras beads and prizes, such as restaurant gift certificates, will be given away.