Group wants to add verses to holiday songs

Calling all poets and songwriters — an Iowa-based national non-profit group is looking for people to write new verses for old Christmas carols. Organizers of the project want contemporary lyrics that can be added to the familiar songs that’ll be published during the holiday season in 2000.Jerry Iverson is national coordinator for “Alternatives for Simple Living.” The group is based in Sioux City & seeks to challenge consumerism and celebrate the holiday season responsibly. He says Santa Claus and the drive to give people “stuff” can overshadow the real purpose of the season.Iverson wants new stanzas for traditional Christian holiday songs like “We Three Kings,” and -not- for ditties like “Jingle Bells.” He wants the lyrics to include something about social justice.The prize is to have the winner’s name appear every time the new version of the song is published. To learn more about the group or to enter lyrics, call 800-821-6153 or surf to: “www.simpleliving.org” on the world wide web.