LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS COLLECT TOYS, CANNED GOODS

More than 200 local families in need of basics will be able to pick up toys and Christmas baskets of food Thursday.

The Jackson Elks Lodge, the Jackson Police Department, Jackson Fire Rescue, the Girls Scouts of America and the Jackson Jaycees are working together to collect the items.

"The support from the community, the chamber and local merchants has been outstanding," said Darrell Sievers of the Jackson PD, who is also Elks toy chairman. "It's not like it's the Elk Lodge's project; it's for the kids. Without the support of the merchants and others, it would be impossible to pull this off."

The food, toys and clothing will be given out Thursday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., in the lower level hall of the Jackson Elks Lodge on Hwy D. In the mean time, toys and canned food may be brought to the lodge.

Toys need to be new, in unopened packages, to be accepted.

Michael Browne, Elks Christmas Basket chairman, related that the Jackson R-2 Schools have collected a large amount of canned goods already.

Meanwhile, area Girl Scouts are collecting mittens, scarves, gloves, and hats, along with the Oak Ridge Ladies Organization. The Jackson Police Department is handing the "Bundle of Joy" toy collection.

The Jackson Fire Rescue Unit hopes to have a fire truck and volunteers on hand to help pass out toys and food Thursday and to let children examine a fire truck. Two to three police officers are expected to be there also.