ENVIRONMENT Keep the spirit a IT IS thought by some that Christmastime is an exercise in mass hypocrisy: goodwill and generosity that is absent throughout the year sud- denly makes its presence felt for two or three short weeks. Peggy Trendell-Whittaker ECOINFO Still, a small dose of charity is better than none at all. My hope is that the good feeling people get from their Christmas giving will encourage them to continue the practice all year ’round. It must have been a very warm glow that workers at the Union Gospel Mission felt last Saturday night, when they held their annual Christmas dinner. Over 1,600 people — 50% more than last year — were served a plane it, call your local parks department to see if they can sug- gest a good spot on municipal land. Depending on their workload, they may even be able to plant it for you. If you have stacks of corrugated cardboard left over after all the gifts have been unwrapped, it can also be taken down to the transfer station (30 Riverside Dr., North Vancouver) for recycling. The transfer station (929-5471) is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Polystyrene blocks and peanuts and plastic bubble wrap used in packing can be taken to Pack and Chip at 1886 Marine Dr., North Vancouver. Save as much giftwrap as you can for reuse at another occasion. \. ; 2 . ' . } festive turkey dinner. The dinner # was funded by businesses and in- dividuals who responded to the mission’s campaign in which peo- ple could sponsor dinner for 10 people for $15. “It was a tremendous dinner,” said one of the organizers. ‘“We fed everyone, from young families to older gentlemen. Everyone had a great time.”” The mission feeds about 200 people every day, in the afternoon and evening. It distributes grocer- jes as well, and has an in-house drug and alcohol rehab program @ for about 35 live-in residents. The need for food and cash donations continues year round. You can drop off your gift to 616 East Cordova, or call 253-3323 for more information. The Salvation Army at 119 East Cordova expects to be feeding 2,000 people at its Christmas din- _ her on the 25th. It doesn’t need any more volun- teers for that day, but, like the i Union Gospel Mission, has a year-round hot meal program that can always use volunteers. Call 682-5208 for more informa- tion. There are a countless number of ways to keep the Christmas spirit alive long after the decorations are put away. Whether it’s helping a friend down the street or a hungry child across the world, living your life # with love is a sure cure for the January blues. eee And while you’re busy enhanc- § ing the human environment, here are some apres-Christmas tips for ff preserving the natural environ- ment. Your Christmas tree can be § taken to the North Shore Transfer Station to be chipped and used as 7 ve {f you’ve got enough to sink a ship, perhaps a friend can use some — | know I've run aut! If your child has duplicate toys, or has outgrown old ones that are in good condition, consider donating them to the Canadian Mental Health Association (987- 6959) or the Salvation Army at 241 Lonsdale Ave. Your Christmas cards can be cut up and used to make gift tags for your 1992 presents. If you come up with other in- novative ‘‘green’’ Christmas ideas, let me know so I can keep them on file for next year. Just call 98-GREEN and leave a message. Thanks to the many readers who have called throughout the year with encouragement and ideas. My best wishes to all for a warm and happy Christmas. ! Reg. sep. items 888.95 Purchase the Tandy 1000 RL computer (25-1450) with CM-5 colour cover at the Premier Street land- ° fill. Local Lions’ clubs will also be holding their annual chip-ups; watch this paper for details on dates and locations. If you purchased a live tree this year and don’t have anywhere to Make shopping easier with a Radio Shack credit card. Getanap- plication at any Radio Shack store or par: | ticipating dealer today. - monitor (25-1943) and PS/2 mouse (25-1042) for only 699.00—ail taxes included! *sottware, printers, and all other accessories purchased with the computer will be subjest to applicable taxes. Only the two computer systems Shown here have tax included. i i@. re OF Pai fet nearest you * Chinese Live Crab cooke 99 4” with Black Bean December ¥ Di S *4 49 Special mM 4 m ea. *Saturdays for month of December on 10 items 2°" Reserve npw for-C mas Parties —*-- Seating up to-25 : oke Sauce CHRISTMAS SHOPPER SONUS Buy '250 of more with a Radio Shack credit card and put ne money down, make no payments ondpay No Interest untli Match 1992, on ap- Proved credil, Ask for details. Reg. sep. items 1188.95 Until Dec. 24, the price you see on these computers is the price you pay—includes all applicable taxes! Purchase the Tandy 1000 RL HD computer with 20 MB hard drive (25-1451), CM-5 colour monitor (25-1043) and PS/2 mouse (25-1042) for only 999.00—all taxes included! DIVISION @® INT! (AN CANADA LTD ve “er