Remember homeless during Christmas

As readers may know, for many years the Catholic Worker Soup Kitchen distributed Christmas bags to its guests on Christmas Eve. This year, the volunteers at the rechristened Daily Bread Soup Kitchen will continue the tradition.

However, instead of paper grocery bags or shopping bags, we plan to fill back packs, a useful item to carry all year long.

In a back pack (not necessarily new but in good condition) place the usual items: a warm cap, gloves, maybe a scarf, socks, toiletries, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, perhaps a package of bus tokens, a small gift such as a flashlight or book and candy.

Women's backpacks could include cosmetics, comb or brush. And for children, a small toy. Backpacks can be prepared for men, women and children with those for men most needed. Please label appropriately.

Because backpacks are out of season now, they tend to be on sale, some at 75 percent reduction. Throughout the years, we have been amazed at donors' generosity. We can't wait to see the finished products.

Please bring filled backpacks by Dec. 21 to the home of Ellen McDowell, 710 S. Elm Blvd., C. Call 356-7101 for information. (Early morning and evenings are best.)

God bless you.

BOB GOSS

Urbana