We told you, earlier in the week, about the food drive launched by State Senate staffers ... with the help of some House staffers who work on the joint committees. And I promised I would bring you a total of the number of food items and packages of diapers that had been collected in an effort that began on November 2nd and wrapped up Thursday at noon.

The magic number is ... 2,989 items!!!

You were also told there was a competition among the various floors at the State Capitol. Well, the folks from the fourth floor won the contest with 1,055 items brought in ... followed by the second and third floors with 1,025 items ... and the people on the first floor and in the basement came up with 909 items. It was a very close competition and Missourians who depend on contributions made to the Samaritan Center of Jefferson City really win big.

Congratulations to all the Senate (and some House) staffers.

Steve Walsh