Drop off your drawers at East Fallowfield’s annual Park Day

EAST FALLOWFIELD >> East Fallowfield Township officials want you to first ‘Drop off your drawers’ and then enjoy a fun day at East Fallowfield Township’s annual Park Day event on Saturday, Oct.13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the East Fallowfield Township Community Park at 900 Buck Run Road.

In an effort to collect new, unused underwear for homeless and hospitalized veterans, this year East Fallowfield Township has partnered with “David’s Drive 831” a local nonprofit organization that provides comfort items and support to local veterans. Parking, admission, and rides are free all day long, but those attending are asked to bring a donation of new, adult underwear and drop them off at the David’s Drive booth.

“The organization will also accept donations of new, adult T-shirts and socks, said David Turner Sr.,” the executive director of David’s Drive 831.

Park Day is East Fallowfield Township’s signature community event. Park Day will feature free kidfriendly activities such as pony rides, zip-lining, and a children’s Halloween costume parade at 10:30 a.m. as well as an array of vendors and exhibitors. “We’re thrilled that David’s Drive 831, is returning as the presenting sponsor of Park Day this year,” said East Fallowfield Township Manager Scott Swichar. “For many homeless veterans, basic items like clean underwear or socks are considered a luxury item out of reach to them.

“David’s Drive collection of unused underwear, T-shirts, and socks at the event will go a long way to improve the lives of struggling veterans in our community,” said Swichar.

David’s Drive 831 was created in memory of David Turner Jr. who was born and raised in East Fallowfield Township. David worked at the Coatesville VA where he learned many of the veterans he served were homeless and didn’t have necessities like underwear or socks. David wanted to buy every veteran at the VA a pair of underwear, but he never had the chance. On Dec. 16, 2009, David died of a suspected heart arrhythmia at the age of 20. In 2010, family and friends of David created a nonprofit organization to fulfill his wish. Since then more than $400,000 worth of underwear has been donated to the Coatesville VA.

“What started out as an underwear drive has turned into so much more,” said Turner. Donations of unwrapped socks, T-shirts, and underwear can also be dropped off at the East Fallowfield Township Building (2264 Strasburg Road) during the month of October.

Parking, admission, and rides are free all day long, but those attending are asked to bring a donation of new, adult underwear and drop them off at the David’s Drive booth.