Reigning Miss Missouri plans holiday appearances in area

Amber M. Seyer, Miss Missouri 2007, will promote "Holiday Hugs, Happiness and Hopes" to bring attention to her holiday program of collecting toys and care packages during this holiday season.

Her appearance is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Bavarian Halle's Crafts, Gifts and Collectibles Show. She will sign autographs, and those wishing to help promote her platform with a donation will receive an admission ticket to West Park Mall's "Parade of Giving" shopping event from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

Seyer plans to spend her Thanksgiving and Christmas vacation visiting sick children in hospitals across the state.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, she will be at the Bavarian Halle to collect toys and she will issue a ticket for the "Parade of Giving" to each person who brings a new toy or suitable gift item. Tickets may also be purchased.

Members of the local Marine Corps League will pick up the larger donated toys for use in their annual Toys for Tots promotion.

Smaller toys and gifts will be used to assemble care packages for the families of pediatric patients who will spend their holidays at the hospital.

Sunday's "Parade of Giving" is another opportunity to meet Miss Missouri from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. The mall will offer a free carousel ride, face painting and balloon art, Kids 'Bee' Fit classes, story time at Barnes & Noble, photos with Santa and the Discovery Playhouse.