DESERT STORM GROUP COLLECTS AREA DISCOUNTS

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Though fighting has ceased in the Middle East, it may be months before troops are back home with their families. The Desert Storm Task Force of Cape Girardeau is trying to make those months of waiting a little easier for the families of servicemen and women.

The task force is putting together a "discount package" for those families to use at local businesses.

"It to show those families that the people in Cape Girardeau really care," said Charlie Owens, a member of the task force and coordinator of the discount package program.

Owens explained that the package will contain coupons for discounts on services and merchandise from local businesses. It would be made available to the families through the support group that meets weekly at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

The task force is asking for support from local business that wish to donate their merchandise or services to the families.

Owens said now that the war is over, the services may be needed more than ever.

"Even if everybody came home tomorrow, I think the community should get behind the families that were torn apart," he said.

He said the task force wants to offer discounts on home and car maintenance services, movie tickets, child care services and more.

Owens, club director at Universal Physique in Cape Girardeau, said the club plans to offer free passes to use the club.

"Now that some of the stress of war is gone, (family members) may want to relax a little and see a movie, work out or whatever," he said. "Since many of their incomes were cut, some in half, we want to make it easier for them to do that."

The task force is also collecting food and personal care items to distribute to families at the support group meetings. Drop off baskets have been placed at area stores for people who wish to donate items like soap, shampoo, canned food, cereal, coffee or fruit juice. Other items are also accepted.

The baskets are located at Food Giant, Schnucks, K mart, Wal-Mart and Del Farm in Cape Girardeau. Items are picked up daily, Owens said.

Interested business or individuals may call the Task Force office, located on the second floor of the Boatmen's Bank Building on Broadway and Main, at 335-4975, or Owens at 335-3355.