Toybox: Delivering joy, one child at a time

A native of Cape Girardeau, I am a wife, a mother to two wonderful boys (and second mom to a beautiful daughter-in-law), and soon to be grandma. After 22 years as an educator in the Cape Girardeau Public School System, I am currently employed at the Regional Professional Development Center at Southeast Missouri State University as an Instructional Consultant. Throughout my years of involvement in the Cape Jaycee Christmas Projects, fourteen years as chairperson of the Toybox Program and currently in my seventh year as chair for Christmas for the Elderly, I have seen the need for assistance for families in our community rise. In response, I have seen a community that steps up to meet those needs with support and generosity. What a blessing... I look forward to the Jaycee Christmas Projects every year and have made it a tradition in my family as a means to give back during the holidays!

The Spirit of Giving

Posted Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at 9:35 AM

The stores around town are bustling with people getting ready for the Christmas holiday. Storefronts are sprinkled with snow and sparkling lights; strangers share a friendly smile as they push through the aisles filling their carts with gifts for loved ones. The Christmas spirit is alive. For some that spirit is threatened by thoughts of disappointing their little ones this holiday season as financial struggles bear down on families in our communities. Through your participation in the Jaycee Toybox, you can share your blessings with those in need.

Being a single mom is difficult, for Ms. K it is her greatest gift despite the struggles it brings with it. "I work hard for my kids, they are my everything. I wish I could give them more. Some months water and electric is all I have, but we make do."

Ms. K works two jobs with help from her niece in the evenings to care for her two children. Her youngest, a little girl age 6, loves "My Little Pony", dress up clothes, puzzles, musical instruments and would enjoy some books to read with her mom. Her son, age 9, enjoys building toys such as Legos, pirates, "Paws Patrol", and cars. Please consider adding the "K" kids to your Christmas list this year!

On the other end of the spectrum, we have many elderly in our community that spend Christmas alone, struggling to meet the daily expenses that life demands. In the Jaycee Christmas for the Elderly program, we reach out to those in need and provide the basics that many of us take for granted. Mr. "P" is a cancer survivor who suffers from Parkinson 's disease. He would like to have a 2XL coat for this winter season, warm socks, and XXL t-shirts and flannels to layer up. Mr. "B" has moderate intellectual disabilities and requires full care. His income is consumed by his full-time care. Mr. "B" would like a small radio for his room, 2XL shirts or sweatshirts, and Men's XL gloves. Gift cards to Broadway Pharmacy or Walmart are also appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your generosity this holiday season to make a difference to others!

The Spirit of Giving

Comments

Respond to this blog