Southwest Missouri News--Joplin

by Carol Harris, Branson area, and Mary Engler-Guccione, Joplin area

'Tis the season to give, and a local television station is doing its part.

KOAM-TV, the Salvation Army and Westco stores are taking part in a toy drive for needy children in the area.

The Toy Box Campaign begins Nov. 28 and runs through Dec. 18.

Toys may be brought to the KOAM studios in Joplin and Pittsburg, Kan., or the Barton County Sheriff's Department, the Lamar Fitness Center, Salvation Army Thrift Store, Fort Scott, Kan., and the Vernon County Ambulance District in Nevada.

Campaign officials ask that toys be new and unwrapped.

For more information, call 316-231-0400 or 624-0233.

St. John's stroke unit holds open house

An open house was held Nov. 20 for the neuroscience and stroke unit of St. John's Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Winegarner is the medical director of the unit.

The unit's new collaborative care plan allows for more rapid evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of the neurological patients.

The nursing staff of the unit has received in-depth education and training in order to give patients the best care from admittance to release.

The unit is located on six west and has six beds.