Area high schools are doing their part to help the needy during the holiday season.

The Chester High School football team has kicked off its inaugural Yellow Jacket Football Toy Drive. The football team is selling raffle tickets. Proceeds from the raffle will be used to purchase toys at the Chester Wal-Mart Dec. 13.

The football team will don their uniforms and shop as a group. The toys will then be wrapped by the school's cheerleaders.

In the meantime, basketball teams will be doing their part Dec. 12.

The Murphysboro Athletic Booster Association is asking Southern Illinois River to River fans to bring canned goods to games on Dec. 12 for a "Pack the Pantry" promotion.

Schools or individuals interested in assisting with the project can call Jim Murphy at 684-4298.