The DAILY LEADER and several local businesses have partneredagain this year to offer area shoppers a shot at a littleadditional Christmas cheer.

The DAILY LEADER’s Hometown Christmas promotion got under waythis weekend and the first drawing for $100 in Hometown Bucks isFriday.

The first five weekly drawings will be for $100 in Hometown Bucks,which may be spent at the businesses in the promotion. In the sixthand final week, a winner will be drawn for the grand prize of $500in Hometown Bucks.

Shoppers can register to win Hometown Bucks by signing up at any ofthe participating businesses. Designated boxes are on display toaccept entry forms.

Participating businesses include Just Kiddin’, Millane’s, FinishingTouch, Bank of Brookhaven, Brookhaven Honda ATV and Motorcycle, J.Jams, Progressive Men’s Shop, Furniture Factory Outlet, SmithJewelry, Gad’s, Trustmark, State Bank & Trust, T.H. PerkinsFurniture, Betty Ann’s, Expectations, Bebe’s, and Sisters ByDesign. Participating businesses are being added daily.

David Culpepper, The DAILY LEADER’s director of Advertising, spokeabout the purpose of the Hometown Christmas promotion.

“Its design is to promote local shopping and keep tax dollarshere,” he explained. “With the wide range of participatingbusinesses the Hometown Bucks winners will be able to find theperfect gift for anyone on their Christmas list.”

Culpepper also pointed out several more attributes of HometownChristmas. He reiterated the program “supports locally owned andoperated businesses.”

Hometown is where shoppers experience warm and welcoming customerservice. Also, the selection at the retail stores is affordable, headded.

“You can find great bargains at all of these stores,” Culpeppersaid. “There are great selections.”

Culpepper said shopping locally also supports local jobs in thecity’s safe and friendly business district. He also mentioned theadded incentive of winning Hometown Bucks.

“You get to stay home and enjoy the holidays without the hustle andbustle of a large city,” he added.

Winners in the Hometown Bucks promotion must be 18 years or older.Employees and carriers of The DAILY LEADER and their families areineligible.