For years, coach Woody Jackson has been the measuring stick for most area high school basketball coaches. Whether it is the overall coaching record, state titles, wardrobe or overall basketball intelligence, Jackson, in most cases, stands well above the rest.

That measuring stick inched a little higher Thursday when Jackson, and his Selma High Saints, announced they would partner with the Salvation Army for a canned food donation drive, aimed at collecting as many items as possible for the upcoming holidays.

And, to encourage students, teachers, parents and the community to join in, Jackson and his players have decided to tie the food drive to a special midnight madness-type event at the school to kick off the first official practice of the upcoming season.

Jackson knows all too well the passion in this area for high school basketball. Remember, we are the area that produced such talent as Doc Robinson, Erwin Dudley, Charles Davis and Antoine Pettway. We know our basketball.

Not only does he know the passion that exists here in the Black Belt, he knows how to focus that passion for a good cause and that cause is the Salvation Army.

Selma’s gymnasium has a capacity of about 1,200, and Jackson wants the house filled at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 18.

If the Saints are able to fill the house for that early morning practice, then those in our area who call on the Salvation Army for help will be much better off.