HOLIDAY GIVING FEELS SO GOOD LET'S EXTEND IT

This is the season of giving -- not just to people we know but to complete strangers. It just seems natural to open our hearts and pocketbooks during this time of year.

That's not to say that people don't support dozens upon dozens of charitable causes year-round. But generosity seems more effortless and genuine during the holidays. And it becomes more personal than just writing a check. People tend to roll up their sleeves and personally dig in to help neighbors, and strangers, in need.

The pages of this newspaper have been filled with heartwarming stories of community benevolence throughout the month of December. There were so many stories of good cheer, it was hard to count them all. These are only a few:

-- The Fraternal Order of the Police invited 100 underprivileged children to "shop with a cop" for toys and clothes. Children were referred through the Division of Family Services. Wal-Mart footed the bill, raising the $4,000 through a number of fund-raisers throughout the year.

-- In its 11th year, the 600 members of the Craftsmen Independent Union distributed 450 food baskets and several boxes of toys to the needy. The large wooden baskets of food meant many of these families would have real Christmas dinners. Baskets were also distributed by the Missouri Division of Aging and area church groups.

-- The Salvation Army has achieved 98 percent of its Tree of Lights campaign. The drive has been extended until the end of the year, but organizers are confident the $125,000 goal will be reached. This money will be used to help the needy throughout the year. It also funds the Salvation Army's food basket program. In all, about 750 food baskets were distributed.

-- The Scott City Fire Department handed out 113 baskets brimming with canned goods, thanks to a number of local businesses.

-- The Knights of Columbus Council 1111 and VFW 3838 and auxiliary were other groups that filled holiday food baskets for the needy. And there were dozens of food drives by church groups, organizations and schools.

-- Christmas for the Elderly collected presents from the community for 19 senior citizens in need. The requests were not frivolous, but they were so meaningful to these people. The gifts were delivered to hugs and tears of joy.

-- Perhaps one of the most touching stories of the season concerned a 10-year-old boy, who just wanted art supplies for Christmas. He was separated from his mother and sister this holiday season and living with grandparents. His name was forwarded to the annual Toybox drive, sponsored by the Southeast Missourian and the Jaycees. He was one of more than 1,000 children aided by the 1994 Toybox.

His story was featured in the paper, and students and faculty at the Southeast Missouri State University art department -- led by Robert Friedrich -- took up a collection. The result was two heavy boxes of art supplies and paper.

A letter from the boy's grandparents arrived this week at the newspaper office. It said:

"We are the grandparents of the little 10-year-old boy featured in Toybox requesting artist's supplies for Christmas.

"The little 10-year-old boy and his grandparents wish to thank Toybox, Jaycees and all those who gave art supplies to him.

"In particular, we would like to thank Mr. Robert Friedrich, the art class and faculty at SEMO University for making this the best ever Christmas for this little boy.

"You have also made this a very warm and memorable Christmas for two grandparents.

May God bless you all."

That's the nice thing about giving. When you give of yourself it comes back again, many times over. It brings a smile outside and a warm glow inside. It just feels good. Wouldn't it be nice if this spirit of personal caring could extend throughout the year?