FUND ESTABLISHED FOR BABY WHO WAS BORN PREMATURELY

He wasn't supposed to be a New Year's baby but there he was, all 2 pounds 4 ounces of him one and one-half months early.

Now little Charles R. Schmitt Jr. is fighting for his life at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis, and his parents have established an account at Boatmen's Bank to help.

Charles Schmitt of Chaffee and Jennifer Calvert of McClure, Ill., said they need help with the medical expenses and transportation costs. The Boatmen's account is in their names. Donations can be made to Boatmen's Bank, Post Office Box 220, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-2200.

Charles Jr. is listed in stable but serious condition, his father said. He is battling a virus and swelling, and has low blood pressure and blood in his lungs and stomach, he said.