Care home seeks breast cancer donations

Staff at Maryville's Bristol Manor nursing home in Maryville put up a Christmas tree Thursday that carries a special message proclaiming both holiday cheer and a spirit of hope in the battle against breast cancer.

Aside from symbolizing the warmth and festiveness of the approaching season, the tree gives visitors to the care home, located at 323 E. Summit Drive, a chance to open both hearts and wallets to women suffering from the often-deadly disease.

A slotted box and a pile of pink ribbons sit on a table near the main Bristol Manor entrance. Those placing a donation of any size in the box are entitled to write their name, or the name of a loved one, on a ribbon and hang it on the tree.

"Research (directed toward the treatment and cure of breast cancer) is being done daily, and hopefully we can help with this," said Bristol Manor Administrator Linda Austin. "No amount is too small. Please open up your hearts this season, and let's help to find a cure for this dreaded disease."

The tree, which already has a few ribbons on it, will remain standing in the care home's lobby through Jan. 5, the day Bristol Manor hosts its annual holiday party.

Those wishing to give can also donate at the Mammogram Center at St. Francis Hospital & Health Services. Anyone doing so is encouraged to notify Austin so that she can hang a ribbon in the donor's name.

Austin said Bristol Manor will match a portion of each donation. In past years, the home has dedicated it Christmas tree to the Angel Tree program and veterans of the U.S. military.