Du Quoin Booster Club has four important initiatives as the 2014 football season opens

The start of the school year means busy times for the Booster Club...especially in the next couple of weeks, according to president Pete Patalas.

"We have several projects ongoing and several opportunities for anyone who wants to be involved to lend some time and talent to the club." he said.

The next Booster Club meeting is Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Du Quoin High School Commons.

Patalas itemize the organization's current projects:

1. Signs for the poles...Coach Martin is working on getting these ready, Other coaches will have rosters ready this week. "We will need crafty and art-type people to help get signs ready. We will need families with ladders, trucks, and drills to hang the signs on the poles around the school," he said.

2. Gatorade Game on Thursday, Aug. 21. "I have had several people indicate they are willing to lend a hand this week. We will need people for t-shirt sales, people to help Tracy Fenton with his BBQ dinners, people at the gate to collect the gatorade as the fans enter, and help setting up/tearing down before and after the games. Several folks have already said they would help with desserts for Thursday...please confirm on this. The Indianettes have also asked us to take over the game day 50/50 raffle, so that may be an option as well."

3. Elverado Night is Aug. 29 vs. Highland. "The Elverado Boosters are in charge of the evening as far as fundraising. According to Mr. Cavitt, they are providing a meal to the team following the game so we may need a few extra hands to help them out." Patalas said.

4. There is an opportunity for the Booster Club to help with working at the beer tent during the fair. "Usually three-hour shifts and you sign in as a Booster Club volunteer. The Booster Club receives your wages ($9 an hour) so you are able to add some money to the fund with a little bit of your time. Please let me know if you are interested. I have signed myself up for about 20 hours during the first weekend. Feel free to join me." Patalas said.