Huck's Karing For Kids program underway

All Huck's Convenience Stores in a five-state area annually take part in a holiday program to raise money for local children who might otherwise not be able to enjoy the Christmas season. This year, Huck's associates have raised money by asking customers for a $1 donation, holding bake sales, getting corporate sponsors and other projects. The company has raised more than $75,000 this year for the Karing for Kids program. Huck's associates will sponsor as many children as possible with a $150 shopping trip per child.

School library holds three-day book fair

The Jackson Junior High School library will have a book fair and special events at Barnes & Noble from Thursday through Saturday at West Park Mall. A percentage of purchases at Barnes & Noble during that time will benefit JJHS library. This includes books and toys, games, gift items, home and office products, Godiva chocolates, packaged Starbucks coffee, CDs and DVDs. Visit www.jacksonr2schools.com or call Ms. Pensel at 243-9533 for more information.

Christmas celebration to support food banks

A Christmas celebration featuring Wes Potts & Jackpot Country, Uncle Bob Camp's Band, Ashley Irwin and Elizabeth Sykes will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Arena Building. All donations will benefit local food banks. There is no cover charge and the event includes free setups, dancing and a small auction. Bring your own beverage. The first 500 people get reserved tables. For more information, call 573-275-7441.

Home for the Holidays airs on CBS Dec. 21

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Social Services' Children's Division promotes adoption through a 7 p.m. Friday airing on CBS for the ninth annual television special "A Home for the Holidays." With nearly 2,000 Missouri children among the 114,000 foster youth in the U.S. awaiting adoption, it is hoped that Missouri families watching the special will be inspired to adopt. To learn more about adopting a child in Missouri, visit www.dss.mo.gov/cd or call 800-554-2222.

Relieve cabin fever at the Nature Center

The Nature Center will have activities on the hour geared at "Life Within the Swamp" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 26, 27 and 28. Story time is at 10.m., nature crafts at 11 a.m., a hike at 1 p.m. and a naturalist program at 2 p.m. The event is not limited to any age and does not require registration.

-- From staff reports