SCHNUCKS BEGINS ANNUAL `SANTA DOLLAR' CAMPAIGN

"Santa Dollars" are again available at Schnucks.

The Christmas holiday program, now in its third year by Schnuck Markets Inc., provides a stocking-stuffer gift and funds for the local Salvation Army.

Santa Dollars are crisp, brand-new, one-dollar bills with Santa's jovial face placed over the face of George Washington. The bills are legal tender (approved by the U.S. Treasury Department) and may be spent or saved like any other dollar.

Each bill comes in its own gift card with a separate envelope ready to address. It sells for $2 plus tax on $1 as required by law. The additional dollar covers the cost of the card, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Salvation Army.

Over the past two years the promotion has raised more than $2,100 for the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau. The total amount donated to charities from the sales of Santa Dollars in all Schnucks' market areas equals more than $65,400.

Schnucks officials said if 1992 sales reach projected levels the three-year total could top $100,000.