BIG RIVER TELEPHONE KICKS OFF ANNUAL HUNGER DRIVE

Cape Girardeau, MO, November 18, 2005— Beginning November 28, 2005, Big River Telephone Company will launch its annual holiday promotion in conjunction with Schnucks and the Salvation Army.  The theme of this year’s promotion is “For It Is in Giving That We Receive.” 

All Big River Telephone customers will receive a voucher to Schnucks in Cape Girardeau with instructions on how to participate in this year’s event.  These same vouchers are also available inside the entrance to Schnucks by the Customer Service counter as well as at the Big River Telephone office at 24 S. Minnesota in Cape. 

By bringing the voucher to a check-out counter at Schnucks and donating just $10, an area family registered with the Salvation Army will receive a turkey dinner this holiday season.  The promotion will run through December 31, 2005.

"The Salvation Army anticipates helping nearly 1000 families this holiday season providing food, toys and warm winter clothing,” said Major Michael Thomas of the Salvation Army.  “We can only do this through the combined effort of individuals, groups and organizations. The Salvation Army is extremely appreciative of the effort of Schnucks and Big River Telephone in assisting the less fortunate of our community.”   

Big River Telephone, with over twenty years of experience, is one of the oldest competitive telephone company providers in the country, as well as the largest in the region. The Cape Girardeau-based company operates an Advanced Digital Network that delivers local, long distance, data, VoIP, and Internet services to residences and businesses. Big River Telephone brings network service solutions to its customers and has the capabilities to meet businesses needs throughout the United States. More information is available at http://www.bigrivertelephone.com.