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Big River turkey drive exceeds previous year's donations

Big River Telephone held its eighth annual holiday turkey drive in Cape Girardeau and Farmington, Mo., from Nov. 1 through Dec. 21. Withers Broadcasting and J98 "The Boot" had a live broadcast during the events. This year's drive generated the largest amount of donations in the eight-year history of the drive. All donations will be used by the local Salvation Army to directly provide thousands of meals for needy families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Illinois state police officers helps distribute gifts

Illinois State Police District 22 interim commander Steven Shields and telecommunications supervisor Kenny Klein recently accepted a $5,000 check from Katie Goss and Ben Young at the Anna, Ill., McDonald's. Goss is the public relations representative of Short Enterprises, owners of nine McDonald's restaurants in Southern Illinois. Young is the manager of the Anna store. On Dec. 20, District 22 personnel donned their Santa hats and joined together to load squad cars with food and gifts. They spent the day distributing the items to families in need for CARE (Children Are Remembered Everywhere) bears. Pictured above is Katie Goss, left, Kenny Klein, Ben Young and Steven Shields. Trooper Brian Graff, pictured on right, left, accepts presents to deliver to needy families from the Director of Operations of Short Enterprises Lynn Penzoldt.