ARKANSAS-OKLAHOMA ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY (AOAS) - a group that promotes all things astronomical;  to learn more about this organization,  visit their web site at aoas.org .

ATTORNEY GENERAL CONSUMER PROTECTION OF ARKANSAS - 323 Center St. #200, Little Rock, AR 72201;
501-682-2007 or 800-482-8982; Providing do-not-call/stamp out telemarketing program.  Serving Arkansas residents. To go to their web site click here: www.ag.state.ar.us

ATTORNEY GENERAL CONSUMER PROTECTION OF OKLAHOMA - 405-521-2029; Providing do-not-call/stamp out telemarketing program. Serving Oklahoma residents.

BOOKINS - an internet swap site for used books;  this is a FEE-BASED service; for more information visit the web site at
www.bookins.com.

DISCOUNT ON WATER, SEWER & TRASH PICKUP FROM CITY OF FORT SMITH WATER DEPT. - 623 Garrison Av., Ft. Smith, AR 72902; 479-784-2262 or 479-784-2263; giving discount on water, sewer & trash pickup for Ft. Smith residents. Total household income must be $13,000 or less to qualify.
To go to their web site click here: www.fsark.com

DIRECT MARKETING MAIL - P.O. Box 9008, Farmington, NY 11735; write to request your name be removed from mailing lists to stop unsolicited mail.

ECOLOGIC-FRIENDLY WEB SITES - rateitgreen.com, thegreenoffice.com, treehugger.com, , idealist.org,.

ELECTRICITY SALES TAX EXEMPTION - sales tax exemption on first 500 kilowatt hours of electricity each month for Arkansas residents with income of $12,000 or less. Apply at electric company, DHS, community action agencies, senior centers & Area Agency on Aging.

EXPERIAN - P.O. Box 919, Allen, TX 75013; write to request your name be removed from mailing lists to stop unsolicited mail.

RADIO PROGRAMS ONLINE - a source for radio programs available from your computer by going online covering a large array of topics; go to www.aarp.org/leisure/radio/pt/

SPEAKERS BUREAU - the Univ. of Arkansas at Fort Smith is now providing a speakers bureau for local clubs and organizations.  To access this speakers bureau, go to the university's web site (www.uafortsmith.edu) and find "Speakers Bureau" in the first drop-down menu.  Then click on "go" and searches can be done either by topic or speaker's name.

211AR.NET - the official web site of Arkansas' new 211 Information and Referral service, affiliated with United Way and
AIRS (Alliance of Information & Referral Systems);  persons may also access the 211 service by simply dialing "211" from the
telephone. Click here to go to the web site:  211AR.net.

AMERICAN PIE (PUBLIC INFORMATION ON THE ENVIRONMENT) - 800-320-APIE; To go to their web site click here: www.americanpie.org

AMERICAN SAVINGS EDUCATION COUNCIL - offers retirement planning tools at their web site:  www.asec.org.

ARKANSAS CHILD IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM - 800-448-3014 to request kits for children. Kit includes DNA
sample, fingerprints, and medical & personal information.

ARKANSAS  CRIME INFORMATION CENTER - #1 State Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201; 501-628-2222. To go to their web site click here: www.acic.org

ARKANSAS DEPT. OF HIGHER EDUCATION -  114 E. Capitol Av., Little Rock, AR 72201; 800-547-8839;
Information on all Arkansas colleges & universities, and scholarships & financial assistance. To go to their web site click here: www.arkansashighered.com

ARKANSAS FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL CARE - P.O. Box 180001, Ft. Smith, AR 72918; 800-272-5528 ext 3 or
479-649-8501; assuring  the quality of care provided to Medicare patients. Call to request newsletter & other materials.

ARKANSAS PHARMACY ASSOCIATION HOTLINE - 501-372-5250; to register complaint or inquire about a pharmacy/pharmacist.

ARKANSAS STATE DENTAL BOARD HOTLINE - 501-682-2085; to register complaint of care provided in a dentist's office or to verify licensing & certification.

ARKANSAS STATE INSURANCE OFFICE - 800-224-6330; providing information on insurance companies, policies & regulations in Arkansas.

ARKANSAS STATE MEDICAL BOARD HOTLINE - 501-296-1802; to register complaint of care provided in a
doctor's office & verify licensing and certification.

ARKANSAS USA LIFELINE - 800-464-7928; Free dialing assistance for Southwestern Bell customers that are visually impaired. Low income guidelines apply. To go to their web site click here: www.swbell.com/billing

ATTORNEY GENERAL CONSUMER PROTECTION OF ARKANSAS - 323 Center St. #200, Little Rock, AR 72201;
501-682-2007 or 800-482-8982; assisting with consumer issues, elderly abuse, youth issues, crime victims, child product safety, do-not-call/stamp out telemarketing program.  Serving Arkansas residents. To go to their web site click here: www.ag.state.ar.us

ATTORNEY GENERAL CONSUMER PROTECTION OF OKLAHOMA - 405-521-2029; assists with consumer issues, elderly abuse, youth issues, crime victims, child product safety, do-not-call/stamp out telemarketing program. Serving Oklahoma residents.

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU FRAUD ALERTS - information on consumer fraud issues at the web site www.bbb.org/alerts/ .

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU OF ARKANSAS, INC. - 1415 S. University, Little Rock, AR 72204; 800-482-8448 or
501-664-7274; to register a complaint or request information, tips & helps.  Serving entire state of Arkansas. To go to their web site click here: www.arkansas.bbb.org

BEVERLY ENTERPRISES - Fort Smith, AR; 479-484-8650; providing nutrition experts to provide discussions & info.

BICYCLE SAFETY TIPS - information to promote safe bicycle riding is available at www.aaos.org (go to the "Prevent Injuries
America" section) or call 800-824-BONES.

CANCER INFORMATION & COUNSELING SERVICES HOTLINE - 800-525-3777;

CENTER FOR EFFECTIVE PARENTING - 614 E. Emma, Springdale, AR 72764; 479-751-6167; provides positive impact on children through a focus on improving parenting skills. Providing info & training; contact for more info. To go to their web site click here: www.parenting-ed.org

CHEROKEE NATION CREDIT & FINANCE DEPT. - 800-256-0671 ext. 2533 or 918-456-0671; offering instruction & information on home buying.  Serving Cherokee citizens. To go to their web site click here: www.cherokee.org

CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE - 800-482-5964; to report child abuse or neglect.

CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE OF OKLAHOMA- 800-522-3511; to report child abuse or neglect.

CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM - 877-KIDS-NOW or 877-543-7669; to go to their web site click here:
www.insurekidsnow.gov

CODE ADAM - Wal-mart Stores, Inc., Community Programs Dept., 702 SW 8th St., Bentonville, AR 72716-9002,
email: kejohns@wal-mart.com. Contact to impliment a program to eliminate lost and abducted children in stores, malls, public facilities.

COMMUNITY DENTAL CLINIC - 109 N. 17th St., Ft. Smith, AR 72901; 479-782-6021 or 479-785-2303; providing basic dental care to adults & older children, smoking cessation classes, and Tooth Fairy Educational Program for local schools.
Very small fees apply. Serving Sebastian & Crawford counties. To go to their web site click here: www.cscdccaa.org

COMMUNITY PRAYER BAND OUTREACH - 479-783-1696; support group for families of incarcerated. Call for times and locations of meetings.

COMMUNITY SERVICES CLEARINGHOUSE - 300 S. 11th St., Ft. Smith, AR 72902; 479-782-5074; providing information on community resources. To go to their web site click here: www.members.aol.com/fsclearhou

COVENANT HOUSE NINE LINE - 800-999-9999; hotline for runaways and crisis intervention service for teens &
families. Offering referrals. Spanish speaking staff.  All services free 24 hrs/7 days.

CRAWFORD COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE - 479-474-5286; providing programs/information on agriculture, families, home, garden, natural resources, food, nutrition, budgeting & 4-H Youth Groups. There is small fee for some workshops & agricultural tests, other services are free.

CRAWFORD COUNTY MENTORING PROGRAM - 1202B Main St., Van Buren, AR; 479-410-3000.

CREDIT CARDS (to report lost or stolen credit cards):  American Express (1-800-528-4800);  Discover (1-800-347-2683);
MasterCard (1-800-307-7309);  VISA (1-800-336-8472).

CREDIT PROBLEM ASSISTANCE - for information on ways to fix credit problems, call 877-FTC-HELP or go to
www.ftc.gov.

DEPARTMENT OF VITAL RECORDS OF ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - 4815 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205; 800-637-931; To request birth, death, marriage or divorce certificates, cost is $8. Serving Arkansas only.

DEPARTMENT OF VITAL RECORDS OF OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - 1000 NE 10th St., Oklahoma
City, OK; 405-271-4040; to request birth, death, marriage or divorce certificates. Serving state of Oklahoma. Small fee.

DISABILITY RIGHTS CENTER - 1100 N. University, #201, Little Rock, AR; 800-482-1174; advocacy service for disabled persons whose human, legal & civil rights are violated. Serving Arkanas residents. Services free to those who qualify. To go to their web site click here: www.panda@arkdisabilityrights.org

DIVORCE CARE, a ministry of First Baptist Church of Greenwood - 19 N. Adair, Greenwood, AR; 479-996-2166; support group for divorced individuals. Call for meeting times & location.

DRUGS & CRIME DATA AND  CLEARINGHOUSE - 800-666-3332

DONATED DENTAL SERVICES - P.O. Box 56248, Little Rock, AR 72215; 800-932-8247 or 501-221-0280; providing dental services to disabled, elderly, & medically compromised. To go to there web site click here:
www.geocities.com/donateddentalservices

ELDERCARE LOCATOR - a nationwide service that links older consumers and their families to local aging services; toll-free number is 800-677-1116; web site is www.eldercare.gov

ELI LILLY COMPANY - 877-795-4559 (toll free); call for application to buy any Lilly product (including medicine) for $12. Income must be $18,000 year or less. To go to their web site click here: www.lillyanswers.com

EMPLOYMENT SOURCES HOTLINE - an excellent source of information on a broad range of employment services,  issues, and
resources;  1-866-283-7900.

FAMILIES ANONYMOUS - 800-736-9805

FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY - Ft. Smith, AR; 479-484-0311; providing consumer credit counseling & debt consolidation.
Services free. To go to their web site click here: www.helpingfamilies.org

FDA CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY HOTLINE - 888-SAFEFOOD or 888-723-33663; click here: www.fda.gov

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - J. Edgar Hoover Bldg., 9th Street & Pennsylvania Ave., NW,
Washington DC 20535;  202-324-3000, for Little Rock office call: 501-221-9100. To go to their web site click here: www.fbi.gov

FEDERAL INFORMATION - a great source for information on all Federal Government services and programs is at 1-800-FEDINFO
(or 1-800-333-4636);  there is also a web site at www.firstgov.gov .

FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP - 479-783-2247; support group for those suffering from Fibromyalgia. Call for times and locations of meetings.

55 ALIVE - a defensive driving class for drivers 55 yeaars of age and up;  for more information call 1-888-227-7669.

FOOD SAFETY NATIONAL HOTLINE - 1-800-424-9121 - a contact number to use in cases where someone has questions on
particular food safety issues relating to transporters, warehouses, distributors, retailers and restaurants.

FOOD SAFETY INFORMATION HOTLINE - 800-266-0200

FORT SMITH MULTICULTURE CENTER - 221 Gardner Bldg., U of A Ft. Smith, AR; 479-806-1028; providing services to families & new immigrants, offering classes & referrals, has a list of translators available on their web site. To go to their web site click here: www.fsark.com/multicultural

FREE CREDIT REPORTS - Arkansas consumers can now get free basic credit reports from the 3 major credit report agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) by going to www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228 (more detailed credit reports are available on a fee basis).

GRIEF and LOSS ASSISTANCE -  provides publications and online resources for those dealing with the death of a loved one;
sponsored by AARP;  go to www.griefandloss.org.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONAL - 800-HABITAT or 800-422-4828;  helping low income families to become home owners. Families must provide 400 hours labor on the house, currently live in substandard housing or overcrowded conditions, and have steady income. To go to their web site click here: www.habitat.org

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE WAREHOUSE - offers to the public household appliances, improvement items, and yard supplies at discount prices; located at 800 South 6th St. in Ft. Smith; open 8 a.m. till 3 p,.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; all proceeds benefit Habitat For Humanity; for more info call 479-651-0086.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY (Western Arkansas) - local affiliate of Habitat International (www.habitat.org);  318 South 17th St., Ft. Smith (479-782-8255).

HEALTHFINDER - a government web site that provides information on consumer health issues;  go to www.healthfinder.gov.

HEALTHY EATING INFORMATION - provided by the American Dietetic Assoc.;  go to www.eatright.org.

HOME EQUITY CONVERSION MORTGAGE (HECKM) - To provide monthly income from home equity to assist elderly. For info contact: Family Service Agency, 479-484-.311. To go to their web site click here: www.helpingfamilies.org

HUD (DEPT. of HOUSING & URBAN DEV.) - This Federal agency offers many housing programs that benefit low and moderate income people.  To obtain full information, visit their web site by clicking here:  www.hud.gov

IDENTITY THEFT INFORMATION - available at www.consumer.gov/idtheft and www.idtheftcenter.org.

IMMIGRATION SERVICE OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH - a service that can provide information and programs regarding the naturalization process;  located at 2022 West Sunset in Springdale, AR;  1-479-927-1996.

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE TAX ASSISTANCE - 800-829-1040; help available 24 hr. 7 days week;  800-829-4059 TTY/TDD for hearing impaired;  800-829-3676 to order forms & publications;  800-829-4477 recorded tax information, English & Spanish;  800-703-368-9694 dial from fax machine to receive info by return fax.  Click here for the web site: www.irs.gov

INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS - the primary focus is to assist non-profit groups in their search for low cost items that are needed for daily operations, such as clothing, toothbrushes, hygiene items, toys, educational items, and more.  To gain more information on what they offer, go to their web site by clicking here: www.idsupdate.com

INTERNET FRAUD COMPLAINT CENTER - a service of the FBI avialable at www.ifccfbi.gov.

KISMIF - 5400 Euper Ln., Ft. Smith, AR; 479-782-6326 or 479-782-0211; weight reduction group meeting.

LEFLORE COUNTY HISPANIC COALITION - Clayton & Witte Sts., Poteau, OK 74953; 918-649-3622 or 918-647-4249; offers translators to accompany Hispanics to doctor or business appointments, document translation, referrals, & some help with Immigration & Naturalization Services (INS). Services free to those in need.

LEFLORE COUNTY YOUTH SERVICES, INC. - 404 Dewey St., Poteau, OK 74953; 800-221-5187 or 918-647-4196; child safety finger printing program. Serving Oklahoma. All services are free. To go to their web site click here: www.members@clnk.com/lcys

LEGAL AID SERVICES OF EASTERN OKLAHOMA - 224 Dewey St., Poteau, OK 74953; 800-299-8136 or
918-647-8136; non-criminal legal help: garnishment, foreclosure, eviction, repossession, housing, domestic violence, bankruptcy, paternity, Social Security & DHS. Serving low income & elderly of eastern Oklahoma.

LEGAL HELPLINE OF ARKANSAS - 800-952-9243; helpline assisting 8 Arkansas counties with legal issues. To go to their web site click here: www.arlegalservices.org

MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION - 800-722-9474; to go to their web site click here: www.wish.org

MEDICAID - 616 Garrison Ave., Ft. Smith, AR 72901; 479-782-4555; medical assistance &  transportation for eligible adults and children. Providing services for very low income.

MEDICARE CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER - 800-MED-ICARE; providing information on all Medicare/Medicaid services.  To go to their web site click here: www.medicare.gov

MEN'S HEALTH NETWORK - a non-profit organization of doctors and health professionals dedicated to men's health issues;  for more information visit their web site at www.menshealthnetwork.org.

MIGRANT EDUCATION PROGRAM OF FORT SMITH PUBLIC SCHOOLS - 811 N. "T" St., Ft. Smith, AR;
479-784-8133 or 479-784-8132 ext 23; providing medical & health services for migrant children who are new students moving into Fort Smith, including: eye glasses, doctor & medicine. All services are free.

MORGAN NICK FOUNDATION - 1104 Hwy 64 E, Alma, AR 72921; 877-543-HOPE or 479-632-6382; to go to their web site click here: www.morgannick.com

MUSIC FORT SMITH, INC. - 317 N. 5th St., Ft. Smith, AR; 479-782-4754; promoting music, helping young musicians get started, musicians/instructors referral service, introductory musical mentorships, college scholarships, serving teens and adults, most services are free. To go to their web site click here: www.musicfortsmith.org

NATIONAL ADOPTION CENTER - to go to their web site click here: www.adopt.org/adopt

NATIONAL ASSOC OF CHILDCARE RESOURCE & REFERRALS - In Arkansas call: 800-445-3316; in Oklahoma call: 888-962-2772. To go to their web site click here: www.childcareaware.org

NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON FAMILIES & YOUTH - (no phone number available); To go to their web site click here: www.ncfy.com

NATIONAL EYECARE PROJECT OF EYE CARE AMERICA - P.O. Box 429098, San Francisco, CA 94142;
800-222-EYES (3937); providing comprehensive medical eye exam by local doctor, treating eye disease, does not provide eye glasses. Serving ages 65+. Services are free. To go to their web site click here: www.aao.org

NATIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION CENTER - 800-336-4797; this is referral service. To go to their web site click here: www.health.gov/nhic

NATIONAL POISON CONTROL CENTER HOTLINE - 800-222-1222; informational service on poison, chemical & drugs/medication, (illegal, perscription & non-perscription). Services are free.

NATIONAL RESPONSE CENTER . - 800-424-8802; to report toxic transportation spills, environmental or biological terrorism. To go to their web site click here: www.nrc.uscg.mil

NATIONAL RUNAWAY SWITCHBOARD - 800-621-4000; crisis hotline for missing & displaced children & their parents, providing information & referrals.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP - 479-783-0829; meetings offer emotional support, resources & information.  Call for meeting times & locations. No charge for attending meetings.

NURSING HOME COMPLAINT HOTLINE - 501-682-8425;  to file a complaint on services provided in an Arkansas nursing home or residential care facility.

OG&E ELECTRIC SERVICES DELAYED PAYMENT AGREEMENT - 800-272-9741; offering special extended installment payment arrangements on past due electric bills. Call before shut-off date.

OKLAHOMA AREAWIDE SERVICES INFORMATION SYSTEM (OASIS) - 800-426-2747; free statewide info & referral service for families in need of special health or developmentally delayed related services. OASIS can assist in locating a wide range of services, including car seat loaner, childcare, support groups & more. To go to their web site click here:
http://oasis.ouhsc.edu

OKLAHOMA CHILDCARE RESOURCE & REFERRAL ASSOC. - P.O. Box 61085, Oklahoma City, OK 73146;
888-962-2772; provides referrals for families seeking quality childcare & information on subsidized childcare. Serving entire state of Oklahoma. To go to their web site click here: www.sosu/childcare.edu

OKLAHOMA DEPT. OF TOURISM & RECREATION - 800-652-6552; providing recreational information of State of Oklahoma to the public.

OKLAHOMA STATE INSURANCE DEPT. - Oklahoma City, OK; 405-521-2828 or 800-522-0071; providing information on insurance companies, policies & regulations in Oklahoma.

OSU EXTENSION SERVICES - 120 E. Chickasaw (Courthouse), Sallisaw, OK; 918-775-4838; programs/information on agriculture, families, home, garden, natural resources & 4-H youth groups. Serving residents of Sequoyah County.

PARENTS WITHOUT PARTNERS - 800-637-7974; To go to their web site click here: www.parentswithoutpartners.org

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE - 479-648-1033; family or friends of disabled or handicapped meet to exchange ideas and /or equipment.  Call for times and locations of meetings.

PERS  (Personal Emergency Response Systems) - information  is available at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/pers/htm.

REACH OUT HOTLINE - 800-522-9054; Call for the location of your local Oklahoma Mental Health Center.

READINESS & PREPARATION WEB SITE  (READY.GOV) - a U.S. Government web site with all kinds of information on how to be properly prepared and ready for national disasters and other emergencies, including details on how to put together a complete Emergency Supply Kit.;  to go to the site click here:  Ready.gov.

RECALL INFORMATION ON DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS - for a listing of defective products that have been recalled by the government,  go to www.recalls.gov .

RETIREMENT PLANNING - a service offered by the American Savings Education Council, a non-profit group;  visit their web site at www.asec.org.

SALLISAW POLICE DEPT. - 101 W. Chickasaw, Sallisaw, OK 74955; 918-775-4141; organizing Neighborhood Watch program.

SENIOR HEALTH - a National Institute of Health web site that focuses on health issues and the elderly;  go to nihseniorhealth.gov.

SENIOR WHEELS USA - 800-246-6010; Free electric wheelchairs for ages 65+ or disabled who cannot walk or propel manual wheelchair. No charge, no deposit.

SENIORS HEALTH INSURANCE & INFORMATION PROGRAM - 800-224-6330; insurance counseling, Medicare supplemental insurance companies & policies. Free service for all Arkansas residents.

SEQUOYAH MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - 213 E. Redwood, Sallisaw, OK 74955; 918-774-1100; family hospital, tobacco prevention, defensive driving, CPR, grief support classes, community wellness group. 

SLEEP DISORDERS - for info go to www.sleepcenters.org.

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - 800-772-1213; contact for information on the location nearest you. To go to their web site click here: www.ssa.gov

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION FORT SMITH OFFICE - 4933 Old Greenwood Rd., Ft. Smith, AR 72903;
479-646-7154 or 800-772-1213; to apply for Social Security, Medicare, lost card, change of address, spousal benefits or request handbook.

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION POTEAU OFFICE - 110 Hulsey, Poteau, OK; 800-772-1213; to apply for Social Security, Medicare, lost card, change of address, spousal benefits or request handbook.

SOUTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY - 800-433-8505; Providing special telephone equipment for handicapped, call for catalog. When calling ask for "Special Needs Program". To go to their web site click here: www.specialneedscenter.com

SPARKS COMMUNITY CLINIC - 4700 Kelly Highway, Suite B, Ft. Smith, AR 72904; 479-709-6826; offering complete family medical care, including: family counseling, women's/pregnancy clinic, & participates in medicine programs. Spanish speaking staff, call for appointment, discounted fees if you do not have insurance.

STATE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN - 312 NE 28th St., Oklahoma City, OK; 405-521-6734 or 800-211-2116;
A long-term care ombudsman is a person who receives complaints from residents in long-trm care facilities.  Serving Oklahoma residents. Services are free. To go to their web site click here: www.okdhs.org/aging

STEP-CARFULLY!, INC. -  2710 Massard Rd., Ft. Smith, AR 72903; 479-522-7490; community wide stepparenting group offering support services.  Call for times & locations of meetings.

STEPFAMILY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA - 800-735-0329. To go to their web site click here: www.flyingsolo.com

TAX HELP -  the IRS offers a special tool to help tax-paying workers correctly figure out how much to have withheld from their paychecks;  go to www.irs.gov and type "withholding calculator" in the search box.

TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE - provided by Tax-Aide and VITA volunteers to give free tax preparation services and electronic filing assistance;  locations are RSVP Center in Ft. Smith,  Grand Ave. Baptist in Ft. Smith,  First Christian Church in Ft. Smith,  Southside Senior Center in Ft. Smith,  BancorpSouth Bank in Alma,  and Citizens Bank in Van Buren;  for more information call 1-479-426-6386. (NOTE:  this is a seasonal service,  primarily January through April.)

TEARS OF HOPE -  2710 Massard Rd., Ft. Smith, AR 72903; 479-452-1418; support group for families that have lost an infant through death.  Meeting at 6:30 pm Tuesday.

TOPS (TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY) - 479-646-1137; a group weight loss program. Call for times & locations of meetings.

211AR.NET - the official web site of Arkansas' new 211 Information and Referral service, affiliated with United Way and
AIRS (Alliance of Information & Referral Systems);  persons may also access the 211 service by simply dialing "211" from the
telephone. Click here to go to the web site:  211AR.net.

U OF A COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE OF SEBASTIAN COUNTY - Fort Chaffee Bldg., #1091, Barling, AR 72923; 479-484-7737; providing programs/information on agriculture, families, home, garden, natural resources & 4-H Youth Groups. There is small fee for some workshops & agricultural tests, other services are free. To go to their web site click here: www.sebastian.uaex.edu or www.uaex.edu

UNITED BLOOD SERVICES - 5300 S. "U" St., Ft. Smith, AR; 479-452-5880; community blood center serving as a link between blood donors & patients in local hospitals. To go to their web site click here: www.bloodsystems.org

UNITED WAY OF FORT SMITH - 320 S. 18th St., Ft. Smith, AR; 479-782-1311; organizes fund raising to provide money to 29 partner agencies to meet the needs of area people. To go to their web site click here: www.unitedwayfortsmith.org

U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL HOTLINE - 800-344-7432, 24 hr phone

U.S. DEPT OF SAFE MEAT & POULTRY HOTLINE - 800-535-4555.

USA FREEDOM CORPS - a government organization that maintains listings of humanitarian and chartiable groups that are deemed to be reputable for persons nationwide to donate to for worthy causes. Go to www.usafreedomcorps.gov .

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION HOSPITAL - 1100 N. College, Fayetteville, AR 72730; 800-691-8387 or 501-443-4301; medical services for veterans. To go to their web site click here: www.va.gov\sta\guide

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION REGIONAL OFFICE - Little Rock, AR; 800-827-1000; offering information on all Veterans benefits.  Available to veterans and their families.

VETERANS MEDICAL CENTER VA HOSPITAL - 4300 W. 7th St., Little Rock, AR 72205; 501-257-1000; medical services for veterans.

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE - 300 Main St., Van Buren, Ar 72956; 479-471-3200; assisting Veterans and their families with filing benefits claims.

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE - Bldg. 1089, 4th Av., Ft. Chaffee, Barling, AR 72923; 479-782-3421; assisting Veterans & their families with filing benefits claims. To go to their web site click here: www.sebastiancountyonline.com

VISION USA - 800-766-4466; free eye exam for low income working families without eye care insurance.  Can sometimes provide eye glasses free or reduced. To go to their web site click here: www.aoa.org/visionusa/form.asp

VOLUNTEER MATCH - a service that links persons wanting to volunteer with organizations needing volunteers;  to learn more go to their web site at www.volunteermatch.org.

WE TIP HOTLINE - 800-78-CRIME or 800-782-7463; to report suspected crime. To go to their web site click here: www.wetip.com

WESTERN ARKANSAS LEGAL SERVICES - 901 S. 21st. St., Ft. Smith, AR 72901; 800-364-1134 or 479-785-5211; offering assistance in non-criminal civil legal cases. Serving 8 Arkansas counties. Services free to those qualifying. To go to their web site click here: www.arlegalservices.org

WOMEN WORK! THE NATIONAL NETWORK FOR WOMEN'S EMPLOYMENT - 800-235-2732

Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATION HOTLINE - 800-221-2141. To go to their web site click here: www.y-me.org

FLOOD INSURANCE - a visitor to the web site has asked about where to get information on flood insurance;  a good source is
www.floodsmart.gov

INTERNATIONAL AMERICAN RED CROSS - 202-639-3520 or 1-800-435-7669 (1-800-HELP NOW).

REVERSE MORTGAGE - in recent months several older clients of the Clearinghouse have inquired about "Reverse Mortgages" which allows the homeowner to get cash while still living in the home,  with the lender being repaid through the sale of the home only when the homeowner moves out or dies;  detailed information about this type of mortgage can be found at www.aarp.org/revmort

U.S. CUSTOMS SERVICE - 202-354-1000 or to go to their web site click HERE.

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