CRAFTSMAN UNION DISTRIBUTES CHRISTMAS BASKETS TO NEEDY

Christmas spirit shone brightly Friday as several organizations handed out food and toys to help needy families through the holidays.

Members of Craftsman Independent Union Local 1 were busy loading up more than 600 Christmas baskets for distribution throughout the area Friday morning.

"They go to needy people here in the area, churches, the Division of Aging," said Fred Kelley, president and business manager of the local. "We're just glad we can do this."

The local set up its distribution point in the old Cape Cut Rate building at Sprigg and Good Hope. Kelley said local members donated approximately $12,000 and made up 610 food baskets containing chicken, canned goods, bacon, fruit and other items.

About $1,000 worth of toys also were distributed, he said.

The Rev. Randy Morse, pastor of the Scott City First Assembly of God Church, was among those collecting baskets for distribution. "We're going to take them to the elderly shut-ins and some of the families that have young children who might not have a Christmas otherwise," Morse said.

Ray Smith of Chaffee, one of the local members loading the baskets, said: "I enjoy it -- I really enjoy being able to help people."

At the Salvation Army, volunteers were anticipating distribution of Christmas food baskets to as many as 950 families Friday.

Capt. Robert Gauthier said the agency received 884 applications for assistance. "Considering some no-shows, and others who will come in late, it could go as high as 950," Gauthier said.

Volunteer Keith Simmons braved the cold Friday morning to distribute milk to needy families receiving Salvation Army assistance. "We're handing out 1,200 units of milk today," he said.

The Christmas distribution is funded through the Salvation Army's Tree of Lights campaign and kettle collections. Salvation Army bell-ringers will be collecting at several sites in the community through Saturday, but donations will be accepted for the Tree of Lights campaign through Dec. 31.

In addition to the Christmas distributions, the campaign also helps pay for assistance and educational programs for underprivileged adults and children throughout the year.

For the first time ever, the East County Fire Prevention District distributed about $500 worth of food to 12 needy Cape Girardeau County families, volunteer fireman Mike Garrett said.

"Mr. Magic," St. Louis magician Jerry Hughes, traveled south and put on his Santa costume for the deliveries on Friday. He made balloon animals for the children and gave them toys.

The firemen got names of needy families from Nell Holcomb School officials.

The Cape Girardeau Eagles Lodge and Cape Girardeau Veterans of Foreign Wars are scheduled to make Christmas basket deliveries today.