By Mary O’KEEFE

Crescenta Valley High School Instrumental Music (CVIM) programs will be holding a clothing donation drive this Saturday, Aug. 19, and Sunday, Aug. 20, at the school.

“The clothes are donated to developing communities in Third World countries (like Costa Rica, Honduras and others),” said Leila Bell, CVIM outreach.

CVIM is accepting gently used clothing for adults, children and babies. It is also accepting shoes, linens, handbags, towels and backpacks. Items do not have to be laundered; however, items with stains or holes will not be accepted.

During the pandemic CVIM members encouraged families to take that time to clean out their closets and gather clothing items for donation.

This is a community service event for CVIM members.

“We wouldn’t be able to sustain the quality music program that we have without the support of our local community,” Bell said. “We hold two clothing drive fundraisers per year. They have become a very successful event for us. We transport the bags using CVIM’s new equipment truck, which is driven by CVIM’s transportation manager, Vince Bell. The giant truck is literally full of donations.”

Those wanting to donate are asked to place items in large white kitchen bags, labeled “CVIM.” Undergarments, underwear, socks or bed pillows will not be accepted.

Items can be dropped off on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CVHS band parking lot, just north of the MacDonald Auditorium on Ramsdell Avenue.

CVIM benefits financially from the amount of bags donated and receive 30 cents per pound for donated items.