The trendsetters have spoken, and they are crying out, "We love panties that remind us of living in the San Joaquin Valley." Merchandise is flying off the Fresyes store shelves. And although we respect our customers' privacy here at Fresyes, we are a little dismayed that one certain City Councilman opted against buying the thong and instead purchased the safer coffee mug. But I guess that's more convenient when sitting through environmental impact report discussions.

Still, all of this shilling got us thinking: This cash could go to something useful -- something that could help a fellow Fresnan. So, here's the deal: All profits from the sale of Fresyes merchandise will go to a needy group that's decided by the readers. Send your suggestions to fresyes2003@yahoo.com, and in the coming weeks we'll announce who's getting it.

Some possible examples:

-Sponsoring a Little League team (idea blatantly ripped off from Gothamist)
-Money for an after-school recreation program
-Cash for an elementary school music program

Our target (to start out) will be $500. For you math wizards, that's 250 undergarments. To help speed things along, we have a whole batch of new items for sale, including Fresyes boxers, stuffed teddy bears and camisoles.

(Disclaimer: We still run the store with Cafepress, which unfortunately means only $2 from each sale goes to us, and the bulk of the cash goes to that company. If we had more time on our hands, we make our own schwag. But such is life.)

So get cracking.