FOOD BASKET LEADERS EXPECT BIG TURNOUT

More than 225 families are expected to be served by the 17th annual Food Basket Program this winter.

The program, which includes canned goods, toys and clothing items, is a joint undertaking between several local groups and associations. Work is already underway for this year's program.

"It should be a good year better than ever," said Michael S. Browne, Elks Christmas chairman. "We're getting a lot of support and have a lot of money coming in."

Jackson Elks Lodge 2652 oversees a collection of can goods. The Jackson R-2 Schools also hold a can drive and local merchants make donations.

The Jackson Jaycees and the Jackson Police and Fire departments, meanwhile, put on Toys For Kids and Bundle of Joy, collecting toys for children in need.

The Girls Scouts runs its annual Festival of Lights, collecting gloves, caps and other clothing items for children.

The Oak Ridge Ladies Organization also takes part. This group raises funds for children's' clothes and diapers.

The items will be given away Dec. 14 at the Jackson Elks Lodge (lower level). More information will appear later.

Donations are currently being taken for the program. Toys should be in clean, unopened packages and clothes should be clean.

Donations may be dropped off at food and toy barrels at the Jackson Elks Lodge, or sent to

Jackson Elks Post 2652

c/o Joe Brice

524 W. Independence

Jackson, Mo., 63755

Assisting Browne are Betty Dellinger, vice chairman; Joe Brice, treasurer; and Linda Wilson, assistant. Cheryl Amos, secretary of the Tsalagi Service Unit of the Girl Scouts of Otahki Council, Randy Sander of the Jackson Jaycees and Darrell Sievers of the Jackson Police Department are also heading sections of the program.