How long has it been since you have had a new pair of pants, slacks or a coat?  A month,  six months, maybe a year?  Try almost 10 years and you can realize just how excited the members of the Russell County Laker Band are with the news that new uniforms are on the way.

The idea of new uniforms is an exciting one for the Laker Band members, while a very expensive one for members of the Laker Band Boosters Club. The 100-plus dress uniforms,  shoes, hats and etc.,  will cost in the neighborhood of $27,000.

Band Director Andy Critz, stated, “our band uniforms have reached the point they have been altered, patched, pinned and duck-taped so often, the time has arrived for them to be replaced.” He added, “our young people work so very, very hard in preparing for their performances and competition,  and I know just how much these students will appreciate the support of this community in purchasing these new uniforms.

Band Booster Pauline Davenport stated they were off to a good start in gathering funds to pay for these new uniforms.

She said they have been contacting various businesses and firms in obtaining corporate sponsors and while they would continue this, they would also begin a variety of community events, sales and etc.

Corporate sponsors and individuals donating $100 or more will have their names placed in a permanent position in the band room plus being recognized publicly.

Any and all types of donations are appreciated.

There will be several raffle events scheduled in the future along with special sales along with other events announced as the drive continues.

One event scheduled is with the support of Russell Springs Pizza Hut. On Tues., March 10,  Pizza Hut will donate 20 percent of their total revenue for that day to the Laker Band for their new uniforms.

In this manner, if you wish to go out and eat lunch or dinner, you can enjoy your meal and also feel like you are contributing to the new uniforms. Other special days at Pizza Hut will also be announced later.

Davenport said she and the other band boosters and band members are so thankful for the community’s support.

She added, “supporters like David Branscum and McDonald’s were the first to come forward as a corporate sponsor and contributed $1,000.”   

To date, the uniform drive has collected some $8,000 and the Lakers welcome other corporate sponsors with any amount of donation to help them reach the $27,000 goal.

“We also appreciate and solicitate individual contributions in any amount, we just want to give our young people the means to present themselves in the best manner possible,” she said.

Anyone wishing addition information about the cost of the new uniforms or would like to contribute may contact Pauline Davenport at 270-866-1467 or Mighty Laker Band Director Andy Critz at 270-866-3215.