IN THE HEARTLAND, GIVING UNTO OTHERS IS TRADITION OF THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays are for giving, and that's just what area residents and businesses abundantly do at this time each year. We don't expect this year to be any different as people pour their generosity upon the less fortunate through the many holiday programs designed to assure that those in need get gifts and essential commodities over the holiday season.

In Cape Girardeau alone, the programs are numerous, and anyone wishing to share the spirit of holiday giving has an assortment of programs from which to choose. And rest assured: Those on the receiving end will greatly appreciate your kindness.

Those who have ever helped deliver gifts to children through the Toybox campaign sponsored by the Southeast Missourian and Cape Girardeau Jaycees know how uplifting it is too see the beaming faces of children when they open the gifts dropped off by Santas soon before Christmas. The same is true of the Christmas for the Elderly program conducted by the newspaper and the Cape Girardeau County Health Department. Most of the older people served by the program have basic needs for food, medication and clothing, but little money to fill them.

If you've been following our daily stories about some of the people who benefit from Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly, you know how hard-pressed they are. Through 19 years of Toybox and nine years of Christmas for the Elderly, the needs of many of the area's needy have been met through these programs, thanks to the goodness of the many people who can be depended upon each year to give.

The Salvation Army's annual Tree of Lights campaign is now under way. The Army depends upon this important fund-raiser to carry on its year-round programs and to provide Christmas cheer to those in need. And the Army's bell-ringers are once again out in force soliciting money for its many worthwhile projects.

Children, adults and the elderly all benefit from the efforts of numerous small and large businesses that sponsor charitable programs each year. Some depend on the support of their customers; in other instances the stores provide the gifts.

The programs are too numerous to compile a complete list, but a couple of these worthwhile efforts, as outlined in a story Thursday, are the Cape Girardeau Wal-Mart Supercenter's Shop With A Cop program and a similar program -- minus the police officers -- at Kmart. Wal-Mart, with assistance of Cape Girardeau police officers, lets more than 100 children selected by the Division of Family Services spend $30 each that they are given on gifts for themselves and others. Kmart gives 20 youngsters selected by the Easter Seals Society $20 each to spend in its store.

The Cape Girardeau Wal-Mart also provides funds throughout the year to Children's Miracle Network. Employees pay $1 each Friday to wear blue jeans to work and the money goes to Miracle Network. The store also selected the Salvation Army's Toy Town program this year to receive a percentage of Wal-Mart store sales on Nov. 26.

Kmart stores across the country, including the one here, also are sponsoring its Giving Tree, which provides local needy children and people in nursing homes with gifts for the holidays.

Schnucks is offering its Santa Dollars, a promotion that provides funds to area charities; Food For Fines, which substitutes money owed in library fines with donated food for the needy, is being held by the Cape Girardeau Public Library; Gift Tree, which provides gifts to children at the Cottonwood Residential Center, is being conducted at Weber TV and Appliance; Coats for Kids sponsored by Schnucks, KZIM Radio and the Salvation Army netted hundreds of coats that went to needy children.

At Jackson, the Jaycees receive help from many businesses and groups to carry out their Bundle of Joy effort. Through it, toys, canned goods and clothing are distributed to needy families in Jackson.

These are just a few of the charitable efforts taking place this month. All genuinely address the need to share with those who are less fortunate, and are deserving of your support. You'll feel better by giving.