CRESTVIEW — Band uniforms are expensive, but Crestview High School's Big Red Machine is much closer to its goal of dressing each musician.
That's because of a big ally.
Tom Thumb Inc. stores donated $25,000 on Friday to the 75-year-old marching band's uniform fund.
"We believe that our stores are an extension of the communities we serve," President Mark Salisbury said. "This was the perfect opportunity to give back."
Many people who work for Tom Thumb, including the president, have children who have participated in the marching band at some point.
Each uniform, which costs about $300, is special, according to Jody Dunn, band director.
"Every piece of the jacket has a story behind it," he said.
The cords on the shoulder are a nod to the military; the bulldog on the back used to be on the front of a band jacket many years ago.
"When I was marching, we had red pants; around the '90s is when they switched to white," Dunn said.
"I think this will really make us look like the Big Red Machine."
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High School's band uniform fund gets big boost