TOYBOX, FOOD BASKETS NEED GENEROSITY

There are lots of ways to tell that the holiday season is almost upon us. But one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is to participate in any of the numerous special projects to help the underprivileged whose holidays would otherwise be bleak indeed.

Among the first of these projects to get started each year are Toybox and the Salvation Army's Christmas baskets program.

Toybox is an effort sponsored by the Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian which provides toys to the children of needy families.

The Salvation Army's Christmas basket program provides food for holiday meals.

Prospective recipients of both programs must register at the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope St., from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The deadline is Dec. 1. On Tuesday, the first day of registration, 75 people signed up. Those signing up for Toybox and the food baskets must bring a copy of a phone or utility bill, Social Security numbers of everyone in the household and a photo ID of the person filling out the request.

For all those who find it in their hearts to help others, particularly at this time of year, your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

You may donate toys for Toybox at the Southeast Missouri, 301 Broadway. Or you can send a cash contribution to Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702.

Food is needed for the Salvation Army baskets, particularly hams, turkeys, boxed stuffing, instant mashed potatoes and canned green beans, corn, cranberry sauce and yams. These items can be taken to the Salvation Army on Good Hope. And cash contributions may be sent to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 802, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702.

If you want more information about Toybox, call Kim McDowell at 335-6611, extension 101. For more information about the food baskets, call Maj. Bob Gauthier at 335-7000.

Toybox items will be distributed Dec. 19. The food baskets will be available Dec. 22.

What better way to participate in the spirit of the season than by showing your generosity to Toybox and the Salvation Army's food-basket project.