The chance for local shoppers to win some extra cash forChristmas shopping is just around the corner.

Beginning Friday, one lucky shopper will have their name drawnfor a portion of the $2,000 in Hometown Bucks to be given awayduring The DAILY LEADER’S Hometown Christmas promotion.

The promotion, which started Monday, encourages shoppers to buylocally so the community and its businesses may continue to grow,said Frances Peavey, The DAILY LEADER advertising director.

“We need to continue to support the merchants of Brookhaven,”she said. “We have a lot of new businesses that have opened thispast year and more on the way.”

The 11th Annual Hometown Christmas promotion is eagerlyanticipated by shoppers every year.

“People really enjoy the opportunity to win Hometown Bucks,”said Peavey. “In the past, we have had hundreds of entries everyweek.”

Hometown Christmas promotes shopping in Brookhaven by allowingshoppers to register for Hometown Bucks, which can only be used atparticipating merchants:

* Bank of Brookhaven

* Beyond the Rainbow

* Brookhaven Music and Sound

* Brookwood Gifts & Antiques

* Lofton’s Sporting Goods

* Rushing Boots and Shoe Shop

* Shipp’s Florist

* T.H. Perkins Furniture Company

* Wall Lumber

Shoppers may register for the drawings using the special entryforms and boxes on display at any of the participating businesses.Shoppers may enter as many times as they would like.

There will be seven weekly drawings for $200 in Hometown Bucks,with a grand prize drawing for $600 on Friday, December 14, duringthe final weeks of holiday shopping.

“The winners are always very excited to have extra cash to spendat local businesses for Christmas,” she said.

Employees of the DAILY LEADER are not eligible to win. Employeesof participating merchants may not register at their respectivebusiness, but they may register at any of the other participatingbusiness.