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Harrah's to Make Donations During 12 Days of Christmas

The Harrah's Christmas Mobile, carrying Harrah's Metropolis employees, along with Santa Claus, will be dropping in on Paducah and Metropolis-based charitable organizations and area families needing assistance during the holidays. The deliveries of the "Christmas Miracles" are scheduled to begin Wednesday, Nov. 20, and will continue through the holiday season.

"We are happy to donate to area charities throughout the year, but we are especially pleased to offer our assistance during this special holiday season," said Mike Crider, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah's Metropolis Casino. "We are really excited about this opportunity to do good deeds for families and organizations in our area during the Harrah's 12 Days of Christmas."

In addition to donations to area charities, local families will be given gifts, food and home repairs during the Harrah's 12 Days of Christmas.

According to Harrah's Metropolis Advertising and Public Relations Manager, Brian Sayner, the need for holiday giving has never been greater due to growing deficiencies in area food pantries and lower than normal charitable contributions. "People need help throughout the year, and we address many of those situations. But during holiday periods, the realization that help is needed seems to intensify, especially with the increased costs associated with cold weather and the desire by parents to give their children something for Christmas," he said.

The first deliveries will be made Wednesday morning, Nov. 20, and will include visits to Helping Hands, Salvation Army, Martha's Vineyard and River City Missions. Other delivery dates and times will be announced as the Harrah's 12 Days of Christmas schedule progresses.

Helping H.A.N.D.S. (Homeless Awareness Needs for the Development of our Students) was established in 1997 to aid homeless children and youth. It is located at 1733 Broadway in Paducah, Ky. and has been recognized at the state, regional and national levels as providing exemplary services to the homeless.

"This generous gift from Harrah's will enable our organization to provide Christmas gifts to many more children than we normally would have been able to help," said Helping Hands director Tom Dolan. "It was totally unexpected and exemplifies the virtue of people reaching out to others in need."

Harrah's donation to the Paducah Salvation Army will help the organization provide assistance to families and individuals in emergency situations. The Salvation Army provides many services to people in need including assistance with clothing, food, transportation and furniture. The organization also gives essential support and relief to victims of major disasters.

Martha's Vineyard is "home" for people from all walks of life. It is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of all people, especially feeding the ill, elderly or handicapped homebound. Martha and her staff prepare 700-1000 meals a week. The program was created by Martha Bell during Thanksgiving in 1993 to provide a holiday meal to those who would have gone without. It has blossomed into a full-scale feeding program that is staffed by more than 30 volunteer cooks and drivers.

River City Missions was founded in 1976 in Paducah, Ky. The Mission houses and cares for homeless individuals and families. Harrah's $1000 donation will help cover the cost of housing and food for residents, as well as transporting residents to doctor visits, job interviews and work.

In addition to the 12 Days of Christmas, Harrah's is sponsoring its annual Toys for Tokens promotion in December. Harrah's Total Rewards members are invited to bring in a new unwrapped toy between Dec. 1-20 in exchange for $5 in chips or tokens. The toys will be donated to Massac County Amvets, Paducah Jaycees and the Marine Corps for distribution.

Founded 65 years ago, Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. operates 26 casinos in the United States, primarily under the Harrah's brand name. Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its target customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.

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