The Cherokee County Chapter of the American Red Cross is gearing up for its annual Souper Supper, a yearly fundraiser scheduled for Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. at the American Legion Building in Centre.

The evening will include — besides the meal of home-made soup, cornbread, desert and drink — an auction with items donated by local merchants and individuals.

Red Cross board members have been canvassing the county for donations.

“This is one of our biggest fundraisers for the year,” Chapter Manager Bobbie Howell said. “We can’t thank all the people in the area enough not only for supporting Souper Supper and the local chapter of the American Red Cross, but also for their generous donations.

“Any merchant or individual who hasn’t been contacted and wants to make a donation is welcome to call the Red Cross office at 927-3797. All items will be greatly appreciated.”

Howell pointed out that funds from the Souper Supper are used for local emergencies throughout the year, such as the recent fire that left a Centre family of seven homeless.

Among items already donated are a new VCR (by Tonya Pap-pas), a new 19-inch color television, four tickets for the Wednes-day, April 10 National Hockey League game pitting the Atlanta Thrashers and Florida Panthers at Phillips Arena in Atlanta ($160 value, by Cherokee County Herald) and a 50-pound bag of pecans,

Tickets for the event are $5 per person and may be purchased from Red Cross board members, at the Red Cross office at 1122 W. Main St. in Centre or at the door that evening.

Chairpersons for this year’s Souper Supper are Kay King Davis and Jane Poovey. Other board members include Julie Ballenger, David Crawford, Kurt Duryea, Donnie George, Craig Gilley, Mark Gossett, Hoyt Harp, Jim Pearson, Phillip Powell, Carolyn Priebe, Johnny Roberts, Greg Rosser, Lanny Starr, Kevin Turner and Kerry Yencer