Holiday Hope drive seeks blankets, food

Northwest Missouri State University is again asking the Northwest and Maryville communities to donate blankets and winter clothing to its annual Project Holiday Hope campaign.

During the collection period, which began last week, Northwest is accepting donations of new or gently used blankets, gloves, mittens, scarves and snow boots. In November 2011, Northwest collected more than 130 blankets and clothing items

Additionally, the university is seeking donations of dry boxed goods, such as saltine crackers, cereal, boxed meals for chicken and tuna, stuffing, instant potatoes and macaroni and cheese.

Donations may be left in the marked yellow collection bins located in the J.W. Jones Student Union outside Papa John’s; on the first floor of the Administration Building; and at the east entrance to The Station.

Send cash donations to Gina Bradley, university event coordinator, 220 Administration Building, Maryville MO, 64468. Checks should be made payable to Community Services Inc.

The collection drive ends Monday, Nov. 26, and all donations will be presented to the Maryville Ministry Center during Northwest’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, outside the Gaunt House, the official residence of President John Jasinski.

The ceremony will include performances by the Horace Mann Laboratory School Bearcat Choir and the Northwest Spirit and Truth Gospel Choir as well as brief remarks by campus and community leaders.

Prior to the tree lighting, the Jasinski family will host an open house from 3 to 5 p.m.