The red shirts you'll find the staff sporting at Salon XS on Fridays aren't just a fashion statement.
Instead, it's a show of support to U.S. troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and all over the world.
However, the salon and a handful of other businesses in Waltham are doing more than wearing red as a symbol of unity with soldiers. They are also lending a helping hand by collecting items, from food to first aid kits and vitamins, for soldiers overseas.
Linda Calleva, one of the owners of Salon XS on High Street, said the salon is trying to get other businesses in Waltham to join in with the national effort known as "Red Shirt Fridays" and to collect items for troops. So far, three others have decided to take part - Queen Cleaners and Mal Elfman's on Moody Street and J&L Auto on Newton Street.
Calleva said each of the businesses will display a box where items can be dropped off. She said someone from her salon will then pick up the items from each of the participating businesses.
"We'll come and pick it up for them," Calleva said. "We'll make it very easy for them. "
Calleva said Salon XS employee Kara Vinciulla came up with the idea to get the salon involved with Red Shirt Fridays. Vinciulla said her husband Jeffrey, who is a firefighter and police officer in Bedford, has been involved with efforts to help the troops. Vinciulla said members of the Bedford Fire Department will collect the items and take them to Hanscom Air Force Base.
The list of needed items that can be collected at each of the businesses include microwaveable food, gum and hard candy, vitamins, Q-tips, hand and body lotion, SPF 45 sunblock and Visine. The full list of items can be found at www.anysoldier.com.
And those who bring by three items or more any day of the week will get more than just knowing they've done a good deed. They will also receive a 10 percent discount on all services at participating businesses, Calleva said.
"We just figured that anyone who's willing to help our military, we're willing to help them out," said Calleva.
U.S Army Staff Sgt. Jason Smith, with the Army recruiting office in Waltham, said he was happy to see local businesses doing their part to show support for the troops.
"It's great," Smith said of the effort. "Anything the troops get, they can always use."
Richard Conn can be contacted at 781-398-8004 or rconn@cnc.com
