Walgreens will offer 24-hour pharmacy service at its Cape Girardeau Store, starting next week.

"Both our pharmacy and store will be open round-the-clock, adding convenience for our customers," said Bill Springkamper, manager of the store at 1 S. Kingshighway. "We'll be here to help, even if you or your children become ill in the middle of the night."

Walgreens operates more than 500 24-hour stores across the country -- more than any other drugstore chain.

"When we open Monday morning, the store will never close again," he said.

A pharmacist will be on duty 24 hours a day.

Springkamper said he felt there was a definite need for the 24-hour pharmacy service.

"It'll be a big plus for customers," he said. "We'll be the only store in the immediate Southeast Missouri area that will offer 24-hour prescription service."