(KFVS) - The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Thursday, December 20 at Big Oak Tree State Park near East Prairie.

Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the park’s shop building.

In addition to the park, the MDNR says the meeting will address services and operations for Towosahgy State Historic Site near East Prairie. Recent accomplishments at the park and site and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Topics will include continuing flood recovery, management plans, research projects, State Parks Youth Corps projects, programming and other issues that might affect the park and its management. Visitors are invited to share comments on services and operations for both Big Oak Tree State Park and Towosahgy State Historic Site.

(KFVS) - The American Red Cross will be collecting and distributing cards that send words of encouragement, gratitude and cheer to America's heroes for the holiday season.

The Red Cross is inviting the public to send messages of thanks and holiday cheer until Dec. 7 by mailing them to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

To ensure that cards are delivered on time for the holidays, the Red Cross says they must be postmarked no later than Dec. 7. Individuals are asked to refrain from sending "care packages," monetary donations or using glitter or any other kinds of inserts with the cards.

According to the Red Cross, the company Pitney Bowes Inc. receives cards at the special Holiday Mail post office box, and screens them for hazardous materials. The company screens, packages and ships the cards at no charge.