Community briefs 12/8/05

Fifth annual Luminaries for Life campaign set

The fifth annual Luminaries for Life campaign is accepting donations for lighting up the Saint Francis Healing Arts Garden, 211 Saint Francis Drive. Individuals making donations to the event are invited to a "Night of Remembrance" beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 20. Funds raised will support the Saint Francis Stroke Center. Call the Saint Francis Foundation at 331-5133 for more information or to make a donation.

Santa Claus schedules visit to uptown Jackson

Santa will be at The Santa House in uptown Jackson from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 17. He will stroll along High Street visiting shops. Santa will visit the Jackson Chamber of Commerce Christmas party held Tuesday. Santa will be at the Santa House and strolling High Street from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and Dec. 22.

Registration needed for historic church tour

Those interested in a bus tour of historic churches should meet in Southeast Missouri State University Crisp Hall parking lot at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Guests will travel by bus to see the festively decorated historic churches in Farrar, Apple Creek, Altenburg and Pocahontas. The tour will be led by Frank Nickell, director of the Center for Regional History at Southeast Missouri State University. The historic church tour includes different stops each year. Enroll early; there is a fee. Those interested should call 986-6879 to register.

Blanchard Elementary collecting for holiday

The opportunity for students to shop at the school holiday store for family gifts is approaching. Members of the community can consider donating gifts of all types -- toys, candles, perfume and books. Monetary donations or gift bags, bows and tape are appreciated. Volunteer gift wrapping is Monday through Wednesday. Items may be dropped at the school or at Hutson's Furniture. To make a donation or schedule a pick up, call the school at 335-3030 or Jerra Hutson at 335-3747.

Caring Council plans open house for Dec. 16

There will be no Caring Council meeting Dec. 16. Instead an open house will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Caring Council office, 937 Broadway, Suite 306. Those attending are asked to bring a toy for community toyboxes.

-- From staff reports