DIRECTORY OF CHARITIES TO DEBUT DEC. 26

This year the Southeast Missourian is offering charitable organizations an opportunity to get the attention of potential donors. The holiday season and end-of-the-year tax considerations have historically been good motivators for philanthropic giving.

To that end, we need charitable organizations that would like to be included in our Directory of Charities -- to be published Dec. 26 -- to provide some basic information: name, address, phone number, contact person and a brief description of purpose and activities. One more crucial document is needed: a copy of the federal IRS tax-exempt letter or certificate.

This information should be sent to: Southeast Missourian, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0699, Attention CHARITIES. Or the information can be faxed to 334-7288.

The Directory of Charities will provide a wealth of information to those who want to make a contribution as 1998 draws to a close. Thanks, in advance, for the cooperation of charitable organizations.