Yes to toasty undies, no to bacon briefs in underwear drives

(Updated 11:48 a.m., Aug. 13) - After a flood, eager volunteers have their donations packed and ready for delivery as soon as the roads clear. Of course, the most practical items to give are things that are already around the house, like wearable clothing and ready-to-eat food.   But there is one important thing that we don't always remember to give—underwear.   Perhaps it's because not many people keep fresh, unused underwear lying around. But it's definitely something that people will appreciate, as underwear drives like RockEd Philippines' Laglag Panty and the online fundraiser #ToastyUndies4ReliefPH know.   "Hygiene is also a necessity, and this is usually overlooked in evacuation centers. Hey, nobody donates underwear these days, especially when you're giving used clothes, di ba? So why scrimp on the skivvies?" wrote part-time blogger Mara Ruiz, who with her friend Shiela Culpa, launched an underwear drive to raise 1,000 pieces of Avon underwear for those displaced by floods.    As both Ruiz and Culpa work at Avon Philippines, discounts for the underwear will be available to them. "We will be purchasing the undies at a special rate so whatever amount you share will go a looooooooong way!" wrote Ruiz.   They are accepting pledges online, and have raised about P9,000 as of August 10. Ruiz also said that if Avon decides to donate the underwear, the funds will be allocated to other goods.   "If you've ever had a bad night that you had to use Side A and Side B, I am sure you'll be compelled to donate," wrote Ruiz. Their online fundraiser was inspired by RockEd Radio's Laglag Panty, a two-night donation drive where people could drop off new panties, boxers, or briefs to people who were affected by last week’s storm.    RockEd Radio's Gang Badoy emphasized that the underwear must be new and unused. "No, we won't accept used underwear. Aydunatlayk. Brand new undies please. {w/ evac center occupants' comfort in mind} (& my sanity)," she said on Twitter.    On August 10, RockEd Radio accepted donations at Route 196 along Katipunan Extension in Quezon City. The second night for Laglag Panty is on Monday, August 13 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. also at Route 196, coinciding with the ninth day memorial of musician Ronnie Dizon's death.    Last December, RockEd Iligan together with Dizon's cover band The Ronnies, held a benefit night called "Panty Line, Pwede Bra, Make it Brip?" where volunteers could sing Ronnieoke for P100 a song. All the proceeds went to their underwear drive for those affected by Typhoon Sendong. Good for first-timers to be involved