A little update...

Hey all!

For those of you wondering why I've disappeared and what exactly I've
been up to, following is an article covering just a little of the
insanity I try to accomplish every Holiday season! Wish me luck and
know that I love and miss you all!

Jaz
aka, Amy, The Kettle Lady, Mom


Salvation Army strives to brighten holiday seasons

The Salvation Army is hosting several events to make the holidays
happier for area residents. Their holiday kick-off events begin with
the Annual Turkey Drive and continue through Dec. 24th with ringing of
"kettle" bells.

Annual Turkey Drive

The annual Turkey Drive will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday outside of Lindly TV & Appliance, Eighth and Main.

Turkeys can be dropped off by pulling up in front of Lindly's. Hams
and chickens will also be accepted, along with any non-perishable items
for the Winfield Community Food Bank.

The turkeys, hams and chickens will be used by the Salvation Army
to prepare Christmas Dinner Boxes for the Winfield area. This year's
demands will likely exceed any prior year, as it is anticipated more
than 500 families will be seeking assistance in the Cowley County area.

Adding to the excitement of the Turkey Drive, Merle Snider Motors,
Kline Motors, and Winfield Motors are hosting a competition to "gather"
the most turkeys. KSOK radio will be doing a live remote from 10 a.m.
until noon at the collection site, as employees from the three Winfield
car dealerships "hustle" turkeys, trying to be the first to fill their
freezer. The winner will receive the title of Winfield's biggest
"Turkey" dealer. Donors will vote for their favorite dealership by
requesting their donation be added to a specific freezer, as donations
are accepted through 5 p.m.

Don Williams, a member of the Winfield executive board of Salvation
Army, applauded the car dealership friendly competition and efforts
during this record year of need.

Another exciting bonus to this year's drive is anyone purchasing a
turkey on Nov. 20 at Winfield Apple Market, can designate their
favorite dealership and leave the turkey at the store for pickup by the
Salvation Army and receive a free 2 liter bottle of Coca-Cola from
Winfield Apple Market and Winfield Coca-Cola Bottling as a thank you
for helping the Salvation Army.

Now accepting Christmas applications

Folks are encouraged to submit Christmas applications. The
applications are for a food basket for the entire family and toys for
all children 16 and under.

Items need for the application are:

•ID for applicant and all household members
•Proof of Income for all household members (wages, GA, AFDC, SSI, SS, Child Support and Other)
•A piece of mail with current address.

Apply will be taken through Dec. 15 at Eagle Nest, Inc., 112 E.
Ninth, Winfield by appointment. Call Amy Wells *** **** or *** **** to
schedule appointment.

Still seeking Bell Ringers

People are needed each holiday season to "staff the kettles and
ring the bells" to promote the plight of those in need in Cowley
County. Bells began ringing on Friday, Nov. 14, and will continue at
five locations around Winfield through Dec. 24. Bells will be ringing
at Wal-Mart (north and south doors), Dillons, Apple Market, and Graves.
Shifts vary and schedules can be coordinated with each volunteer's
availability. Hours are from 9 am. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
No bells ring on Sunday.

To volunteer contact Amy at *** **** or *** ****.

Senior Christmas Dinner

All Seniors are invited to attend the Salvation Army Annual Senior
Christmas Dinner at noon on Dec. 8 at the First United Methodist
Church, Tenth and Millington.

The menu will be turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing,
calico bread and pumpkin pie. Transportation to the church can be
provided if needed. Meals can also be delivered to the home if
requested.

Reservations ARE required. Please call Eagle Nest Inc. *** ****,
First Methodist Church *** ****, Salvation Army in Arkansas City ***
**** or Cowley County Council on Aging *** **** to make reservations,
arrange for transportation or request meal delivery.

Angel Trees

This season, why not help an Angel?

Children in Cowley County need your generosity this Christmas
Season more than ever before. Please visit one of the following
locations to choose an an Angel from the tree - Wal-Mart, Dollar
General, Graves Drug, or Eagle Nest. Each Angel represents a child in
need this Christmas Season. All Angels are unique and contain a child's
Christmas wish list and clothing sizes.

Simply shop for your Angel and bring the gifts (unwrapped) along
with the Angel from the tree to Eagle Nest Inc., 112 E. Ninth. Drop-off
deadline is Dec. 15.

The Salvation Army, partnered with Toys for Tots and Eagle Nest
Inc., will make sure each gift is distributed and available for
Christmas morning. Private Angel "adoptions" are also available. For
more information contact Amy at *** **** or *** ****.

tis the season. Got your work cut out for you it seems. Hope you reach your goals. God Bless

Gunter