East Limestone Band turns damaged trailer into donation site

Published 6:30 am Tuesday, November 21, 2017

The East Limestone High School band is not about to let the recent theft and recovery of their band trailer following a competition in Birmingham squash their Christmas spirit.

Instead, the marching band has partnered with Chick-fil-A of Athens, the Boys & Girls Club of Athens and North Alabama and Limestone County Churches Involved to use their damaged trailer to collect new and gently used bicycles, toys, canned goods and hygiene items for those in need this Holiday season.

“We are so blessed and grateful to have our trailer back,” said East Limestone Band Director Jennifer Janzen. “The kids came up with the idea of filling the band trailer for the holidays. It’s a big trailer, but we’re a big band, and we know firsthand how supportive our community is.”

Janzen is referring to the outpouring of support from the community after their trailer was stolen in November. Although all the instruments and equipment were recovered, the thieves stole an expensive generator and damaged the trailer.

The band usually plans a community fundraiser during the holiday season, but this year is particularly meaningful to the band.

“There is nothing like having someone steal your marching band trailer to find out firsthand how generous and kind people are,” said Janzen.

Donations can be dropped off at:

• Nov. 27-Dec. 14 at the East Limestone Band Room on the south side of the school;

• 4-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, at Chick-fil-A of Athens;

• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at East Limestone’s Community Christmas Concert; and

• 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Chick-fil-A of Athens, during which time the band will perform Christmas music.

All donations will be given to the Boys & Girls Club and LCCI for distribution.

For more information, contact Pam Stapleton at 256-497-4042 or email her at pamelastapleton@outlook.com.