JACKSON CHAMBER SEEKS MONEY FOR DECORATIONS

JACKSON -- Almost $6,000 has been received so far by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce as part of an effort to raise $20,000 for the purchase of new public Christmas lights and decorations.

Jeff Moore, chairman of the Christmas Decorations Fund, said the next public event will take place Nov. 7, with the Jackson Elks Club, Knights of Columbus and American Legion each participating in a joint activity to raise money for the Christmas decoration fund.

"I just can't praise them enough for jumping in there and really helping out our cause," said Moore. "It's just super."

Moore said a little over $2,000 was raised for the decoration fund during the Jaycees July Fourth auction.

"We're very pleased with the results of the auction," he said. "Our total now stands at about $5,700."

Moore said donations for the new decorations have come from individuals and service clubs, organizations and local businesses. But he said more is needed to put the fund drive over the top so the decorations can be in place before Christmas.

"We want to order the decorations sometime in mid-November so we can have them in time to be mounted by Christmas season, so every donation between now and then will be appreciated," he said.

Moore said most of the city's Christmas decorations are almost 20 years old. Many are worn out, and the wiring is bad on most of them.

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce has volunteered to coordinate the fund drive but everyone in the community is being asked to support the purchase of the new decorations, Moore said.