Virginia Patterson, CEO of the Effingham Community Orchestra (ECO), and Charles Patterson, the musical director and conductor, announced that the orchestra will present its next concert July 21 at 3 p.m. at the Effingham County Recreation Department Gymnasium, 808 Ga. Hwy 119               South. 

The orchestra is proud to announce that it is participating in a shoe drive in partnership with GotSneakers. To further that effort, all attendees are requested to bring at least one pair of used athletic shoes as an admission to the concert. Cash donations will also be happily received. 

The musicians are already collecting sh 

The GotSneakers organization describes itself as: “... we’re making it fun and rewarding to recycle with an innovative sneaker drive fundraiser. By participating, you’ll               help keep sneakers out of landfills, while also putting shoes on the feet of less fortunate people in places such as the Caribbean, Central America, South America, West Africa and Europe. Your old sneakers will make a huge difference.” 

GotSneakers will donate one dollar to the ECO for each pair of sneakers collected.

Charles Patterson describes the July 21 concert as “classical music and jazz for a hot summer afternoon.” He added that he is excited that  Scott Walker, an excellent musician and conductor, will serve as guest conductor for one piece.

BRAVOS a devoted group of volunteers that serves as the fundraising arm of the ECO, announced that there will be a sale of fresh baked goods produced by members and friends at the concert.

In addition, the ECO  has been the recipient of donated books. Many will be available for sale at the concert — some for just $1.