The Strasburg-Heisler Library, 143 Precision Ave., Strasburg, has partnered with nonprofit organization LS Together to host the sixth annual Drop Your Drawers campaign. Until Sunday, March 31, members of the community may donate pairs of new underwear at the library, which LS Together will distribute to schools in Lampeter-Strasburg School District and local organizations that serve children and families.

The majority of the underwear donations will be given to school nurses, allowing them to keep a supply on hand for students who experience an accident at school and require fresh clothing. The primary goal of the drive is to equip school staff members with the means to assist students in emergency situations and to protect them from embarrassment. By having a readily available change of underwear, nurses can help students resolve a situation quickly and return to the classroom to focus on their lessons. "You never know what's going to happen. Someone could spill something in the cafeteria, or maybe a student just doesn't have access to adequate clothing at home," said Kristin Fernitz, director of the Strasburg-Heisler Library. "If a parent can't get to school to provide a clean change of clothes, we can help."

The Drop Your Drawers program was started in Campbell, Ky., after a librarian learned that nurses at a local school purchased underwear with their own salaries to keep on hand for student emergencies. The librarian decided to start a collection to assist the nurses, and she contacted author Dav Pilkey to assist with the drive. Pilkey is the author of the children's graphic novel series Captain Underpants, and he gave permission for the program to use his artwork for promotion.

Shortly after reading about the first Drop Your Drawers collection, Fernitz decided to bring the program to the Strasburg-Heisler Library. The library has continued to host the drive annually, and it continues to surpass its donation goal every year. Last year, the library received more than 1,000 pairs of underwear, and Fernitz hopes to exceed the drive's 500 donation goal again this year.

"New underwear is the most-asked-for item at clothing banks and distribution centers, but it is the least-donated item," Fernitz said. "Most people don't think about donating new underwear."

To streamline the donation process, Fernitz has made a wish list available online for supporters to purchase the most-needed items, which are then shipped directly to the library. For more information, visit https://strasburglibrary.org/drop-your-drawers.