You can help by donating for decorations

Small towns show their Christmas spirit by dressing up their downtown streets with colorful decorations that set a festive tone. Neighborhoods in large cities are drawn together in the same way.

Cape Girardeau is neither a small town nor a big city. But it's downtown merchants have continued the tradition of holiday decorations. It goes without saying that these well-worn garlands, wreaths and lights are showing their age.

The Downtown Merchants Association would like to purchase new decorations.

The big question, of course, is how to raise the money. The association is looking at options.

Let's hope the downtown merchants succeed. The somewhat ragged decorations that have graced our streets these past few years are starting to send the wrong message about the season and about the downtown shopping area.

One thing that would let the merchants know their efforts aren't in vain would be for the rest of us to show our support and concern by making a cash donation. Send what you can to Downtown Christmas Lighting, P.O. Box 1655, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702.

It will be appreciated.