STREET SMART KIDS PROGRAM SET FOR SATURDAY

A free program at St. Francis Medical Center Saturday is designed to help children avoid becoming crime statistics.

The program, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the St. Francis Health and Education Center, is cosponsored by St. Francis, the Cape Girardeau Police Department and the Cape Girardeau Area Safe Kids Coalition.

"As parents we don't want to frighten our children, but we want them to know how to stay safe," said St. Francis security officer Jim Roche, who will help present the program. Also speaking will be Jeannie Dailey of the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

The Street Smart Kids program is intended for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Parents and other interested persons are also welcome.

Although the program is free, preregistration is encouraged. To register or for more information, call 339-6262.