Bloomfield, Missouri - The 5th Annual Clause for a Cause was held to not only give children an opportunity to visit with Santa before the Christmas holiday, but to raise money for a very important "CAUSE".

Julia Dodd and Amy Ellinghouse along with a multitude of volunteers raise money each year for worthwhile charities.  This year they chose 18Fore Life as one of their charities. 

They were able to donate $6,000 to Scott Kruse's 18Fore Life.  An organization that gives "Gifts of Love" to families who are fighting against the dreaded disease, CANCER.

These donations have helped 18Fore Life reach their goal of giving 1 million dollars over the years and this year put them over the $200,000 mark for 2013 donations able to be distributed.

This brings a grand total of over $16,000 raised by Clause for a Cause.  That's pretty awesome!  May God continue to bless them for their selflessness and continued efforts to help those in need.

Shown in the photo are Julie Dodd and her elves and Scott Kruse of 18Fore Life.

Dexter, Missouri - "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"  County Wide Insurance is known to give back to the community and this year is no different.

With the holiday season fast approaching, the employees have been generously donating canned and non-perishable foods to the Stoddard County Gospel Mission.  At their annual Christmas luncheon employees brought toys to be donated to the Mission as well.

"I can't imagine a child waking up on Christmas morning with absolutely nothing to open," stated one County Wide Insurance employee.  "It just breaks my heart."

Each year County Wide employees come together to donate to different charitable organizations.  This year, along with the toys and food, employees took up a collection at work and donated money in Alan Hedrick's name to the Trinity United Methodist Church Children's Youth Group located in Bloomfield.

Hedrick opened his Christmas card in front of everyone and was humbled by their generosity.  He smiled and said, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I thank you."

Shown in the photo are Dave Ellinghouse, County Wide Insurance employees and Kim Slavings, Director of the Stoddard County Gospel Mission.  Photo provided by Zach Hedrick, County Wide Insurance employee.

Submitted by Jill Temples

SMT Writer

Jefferson City, Missouri-  Have you and your family members finished their wish list for the holiday? Is safe, crash free travel on those lists? If not, please add that to your list! The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas. One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their holiday celebrations safely.

Last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 1,117 traffic crashes during the 102-hour counting period. In those crashes, six people were killed and another 342 were injured. This year’s traffic crash counting period is 30-hours in length and begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 25, 2013. Please remember to wear your seat belt, pay attention to your driving, and please, don’t drink and drive.

Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-888-275-6636. If bad weather is expected, make sure your vehicle is winterized. Allow extra time to reach your destination, and obey all traffic laws.

If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance, or other traffic emergencies.

“Last year, a Missouri family was affected by a traffic crash every 18.3 minutes over the Christmas holiday,” said Colonel Ron Replogle. “Please be a safe, courteous driver. Wear your seat belt, obey Missouri's traffic laws, and if you include alcohol in your celebrations, please don’t drive.” A sober chauffeur or other alternative transportation modes are always the best option.

The Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves from all types of hazardous drivers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Click It 4 Life!

Dexter, Missouri – It's just been a year, but "Two People With One Goal" have created a beautiful collaboration between this community and those that need our help. 

Dexter High School students, Jacob Robinson and Alexis Smith joined forces beginning with their first commitment to the community by hosting a coat drive.  Now they have traveled full circle and are hosting the 2nd Annual Stoddard County Coat Drive for their organization, "End Poverty in Stoddard County". 

Last year they collected 348 coats and distributed to children and adults throughout Stoddard County! 

The Coat Drive began December 11^th and goes through January 7^th.  This year’s goal is 300 coats!  Let’s help these students achieve their goal and donate coats to those who have none! 

Drop off locations are Dexter Medical Center located beside Sonic and if your child attends T.S. Hill Middle School you can send the coat with them.  The students can give them to Mrs. Robinson, the Librarian.

Pick-up options are also available.  Contact Jacob Robinson at 573-552-2108 or Alexis Smith at 573-820-5699.

They will deliver the coats to the Stoddard County Gospel Mission in Dexter and Born Again in Bell City.  Any children-sized coats will be distributed to the elementary schools throughout the county.  Each school can then give the coats directly to the children in need. 

If you have any questions, concerns, or even ideas, please email them to info@endpovertystodardcounty.com and they will contact you at their earliest convenience.

“If you could let your churches know about us and help spread the word, we would appreciate any involvement or help with collecting coats,” stated Alexis Smith.  Join the fight to end poverty in Stoddard County.  Any donation is greatly appreciated!

Dexter, Missouri - "Shop With a Hero" program helped more than 300 children with gifts this holiday season.  The event took place in three different stages at the Wal-Mart store in Dexter.  Children were divided into groups of 100 and each shopped with a HERO!

Firefighters, police officers, probation and parole officers, highway patrol, and EMT's dressed in their best uniforms drove to Wal-Mart and volunteered their time to help children shop for their favorite toys.  Each child was given $75 to shop with and Santa took time out of his busy schedule to greet them. 

It was emotional for some of the emergency responders as each child was assigned a "HERO"!  Some were grinning and laughing, others a little tear in the corner of their eye, but each HERO was happy to help a child who was less fortunate than others this holiday season.

Several emergency personnel from Stoddard County decided to make Christmas a little brighter for underprivileged children and now 13 years later they are still able to bring joy to children of Stoddard County.

Over $22,000 was donated to Shop With A Hero from fundraisers, individual contributions and business donations.  Debbie Juden, Wal-Mart Manager in Dexter is a huge supporter of this worthy organization.

The program is for youngsters 3 to 10 years of age and if you are interested in donating or volunteering please contact Carol Moreland at 573-624-9086.  Shop With a Hero is a wonderful way to help the children of our community.