AREA ORGANIZATIONS COMBINE EFFORTS FOR CHRISTMAS

In years past, Jackson residents would find the Elks, Jaycees and Girl Scouts all working hard to help gather food, clothing and money for the needy around the area.

This year, those organizations are still hard at work, but now with a combined effort.

The Jackson Elks Lodge is currently planning its annual Christmas Basket Project for Thursday, December 17, at 10 a.m. and is receiving help from the Jackson Jaycees and the Tsalagi Service Unit of the Girl Scouts of America. Help is also coming from individuals, schools and businesses.

The Jaycees are collecting toys for their "Bundle of Joy" project as they have in years past. These will be distributed with the Christmas baskets along with toys collected by the Jackson Police Department.

The Girl Scouts have collected small children's mittens, gloves, soft sock hats and scarves at their annual "Festival of Lights" at the County Courthouse again this year to be distributed.

Craig Bohnsack, a student at Jackson High School, has organized a canned food drive that has taken on an air of competition between Jackson High School, Immaculate Conception, Jackson Middle School and St. Paul Lutheran School. West Lane Elementary is also busy collecting canned goods from its students.

Jackson Wal-Mart has also pitched in by donating a percentage of their sales from yesterday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 12 noon. The home office of Wal-Mart has also stated that they will match the amount donated to help serve area residents in need.

And the Boy Scouts have volunteered their time in helping to fill and pass out the baskets on the day of distribution.

Last year, 214 large boxes of food were given out. This year, organizers say that they plan to give out food to many more and hope to serve everyone that comes for assistance.

"We're giving out a lot of items this year," said Joe Brice, Christmas Basket Chairman. "We get our names from many contacts made throughout the years and we will serve everyone. It has gotten so big that we are going to be sure that if we have a name, they will get a basket."

Brice also stated that persons wanting to donate or have their name placed on the list to receive food baskets should call (573) 243-1259 after 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and after 12 noon on Friday through Sunday. The baskets are available for families living in the Jackson School District. Only one basket will be distributed per house. Persons wishing to donate toys should contact Kim Haertling, Jaycees President, at (573) 833-6391.