• In reaction to the ever-changing toy recall list, The Salvation Army is pulling all used toys from its 59 thrift and family stores in Florida, including the four stores in Jacksonville. “This is what we needed to do,” said Major Kenneth Morris, divisional secretary for Florida. “We want to make sure our patrons and their children are protected.” It’s estimated that less than 5 percent of the thrift store’s annual income is from used toy sales. Salvation Army officers were instructed to remove the used toys from the shelves immediately. The initiative does not include new (boxed) or vintage toys or bicycles.
• The recent Lutheran Social Services Empty Bowls luncheon/fundraiser was a huge success. According to a release, over 900 attended and the luncheon raised over $55,000. That equates to nearly 306,000 pounds of food or over 203,000 meals.
• Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q has decided to help The Clara White Mission during the holidays. According to company President and CEO Joe Adeeb, Bono’s will donate 25 percent of every dollar spent on Bono’s gift cards to the The Clara White Mission.
• “Inside the Game” with host Robin Valetutto is now airing from 6-7 p.m. week nights on AM-1460.
• The Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual meeting Jan. 31 at The Florida Theatre. It’s from 6-9 p.m. and the Chamber is expecting over 1,000 to attend. During the meeting, the Chamber will look back at 2007, install its 2008 board of directors and announce the small business leader of the year. For more information, contact Shannon Jones at 366-6675 or [email protected] before Jan. 21.
• Jaguars linebacker Marcus Stroud and his foundation are teaming with Lawrence DuBow and his family to give 90 kids an early Christmas tonight. The event starts at 6 p.m. at the stadium and ends at 8:30 at the Wal-Mart on Philips Highway. Kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida, Police Athletic League of Jacksonville, Pathways Academy, Kernan Middle School and the Clara White Mission will enjoy pizza at the stadium and get a $100 gift certificate to spend at Wal-Mart.
“Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition, whilst Congress in its committee-rooms is Congress at work.”
– Woodrow Wilson