It is better to give than to receive, but it is also pretty niceto receive.

Brookhaven’s Judy Townsend recently decided to register for TheDAILY LEADER’s Hometown Christmas promotion just to kill time whileshe was doing a good deed in George C. Martin Jr.’s UPS Store onBrookway Blvd.

A friend of hers, after staying in town a few nights, had leftseveral items behind. Townsend went to the UPS Store to package andmail the belongings back on Nov. 19.

Three weeks later, Townsend’s name was pulled and she became thefourth winner of $100 in Hometown Bucks in 2007. And, like almostevery other winner of the promotion, she was not born lucky.

“I never win these things,” Townsend said with a smile. “I havewon a few door prizes from vendors here and there, but neveranything as useful as this.”

While Townsend is contemplating how to put the HometownChristmas prize to good use, Martin is already getting good use outof the contest.

“I’ve been really pleased with the response we’ve gotten,” hesaid. “I’m pleased with the support. People are getting into thestore; our traffic has increased because of the promotion.”

A drawing for the big prize of $500 will be held during thesixth and final week of the promotion. With the awarding of the$500 grand prize combined with the five weeks of $100 prizes,$1,000 in Hometown Bucks will have been awarded by the time thepromotion ends on Dec. 14.

The Hometown Christmas contest is designed to keep holidayshopping alive in Brookhaven’s local businesses.

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

The winnings may only be spent at participating retailbusinesses.

Promotion sponsors this year include J&B Tile & Marble,Sisters by Design, Rushing’s Boots & Shoe Shop, Bebe’s, RoxyMagnolia, The UPS Store, Growin’ Green Landscape, The FinishingTouch, Just Kiddin’, Expectations, Blue Heaven, Smith Jewelry,Brookhaven Honda, Jjams, ABLES, Bank of Brookhaven, FurnitureFactory Outlet, Millane’s, Betty Ann’s, Gad’s, State Bank and TrustCompany, T.H. Perkins Furniture Company and Trustmark Bank.