BUSINESSES HELP FIRE VICTIMS

Area businesses are helping the Pete and Juanita Cooper family, whose home at 214 S. Park St. in Cape Girardeau was damaged by fire Saturday.

Bragg & Sons Electric Co. will rewire the electrical system, and the Taco Bell restaurants on Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau and East Jackson Boulevard in Jackson are giving a free taco for each $1 donation to the Coopers.

In addition, the Lend a Hand Cooper Fund has been set up at Firstar Bank. Interested persons can make a donation at any area branch.

Estimated damage to the home was $20,000 to $30,000. The basement, where the fire started, was damaged by flames, and the living room had heavy smoke damage.