Relief drives are scheduled

NEW MADRID -- New Madrid County is conducting a disaster relief drive for hurricane evacuees who are passing through relocating to the area.

Items collected will be used in New Madrid county for evacuees. Items needed include toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, hair combs, brushes, soap, shampoo, conditioner, feminine products, women's, men's and children's clothing, undergarments, baby bottles, formula, diapers, baby wipes and nonperishable food and water.

Drop off areas are the New Madrid County Family Resource Center and DAEOC Outreach Services, 420 Virginia Ave. in New Madrid; Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 209 S. Locust St. in Parma; Mt. Olive M.B. Church, 315 Missouri St.; and Portageville Church of Christ, 710 King Ave. in Portageville. For more information, call (573) 748-5680 or (573) 748-2708.

BENTON -- Donations for the Hurricane Relief Center, set up at the Charleston Baptist Association campgrounds, 4855 State Highway 77, in Benton, are accepted between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Due to an overwhelming support, the American Red Cross is not taking used clothing at this time.

NEW MADRID - The New Madrid County Service Unit of the Salvation Army is asking residents and organizations to assist victims of the Gulf Coast Hurricane. Donations can be sent to: New Madrid County Service Unit, Salvation Army, 406 Highway 61, New Madrid, MO 63869. Attention: Jerry Lathum. Please note on the check that the money is to aid the Gulf Coast Hurricane Victims. This will speed the funds directly to those in need in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

SIKESTON - Westridge Place is seeking to aid the 20 families now being housed in the Benton area. Monetary donations of all sizes are accepted. For more information contact a staff member of the Westridge Place or call 471

-6484.

SIKESTON - A communitywide effort is under way to gather canned goods which will be distributed to those most in need.

Beginning Tuesday, canned goods will be accepted at six official drop-off locations. Canned goods can be left from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sept. 17 at pick-up truck with the pop-up tent in the parking lot of Aldi's, Food Giant, Market Place, Piggly Wiggly, Sav-A-Lot and Wal-Mart. Each drop-off location will be manned by members of local church congregations.

These items will be taken each evening to a central location then transferred to a truck which will delivery the canned goods to a Convoy of Hope Warehouse in Springfield. Convoy of Hope is working in conjunction with the federal relief efforts now under way.

SIKESTON -- The Heartland Rental Association will be accepting donations of clothes, bed linens, cots and toilettries (no food please). Items can be dropped off at Show Me Rental, 101 N. Ranney in Sikeston, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday.

BLODGETT -- The city of Blodgett is hosting "Blodgett's Community Survival Party" from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 24 in the Blodgett City Park.

All Hurricane Katrina survivors and community members are invited to attend. The Blodgett Fire Department is hosting a fish fry. Plates are $5 each. Entertainment will be provided by the Pullen family gospel singers and other local talent. There will be a raffle to raise funds and a fireworks display will be held at 8 p.m. All proceeds from the day's event will go toward Hurricane Katrina relief funds. For more information or to make a donation, contact Margaret Russell at 471-1932 or 471-0956.