Letter to the Editor

LETTERS: TOYBOX RESPONSE WAS OVERWHELMING

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To the editor:

I am one of the Jaycee elves who had the privilege to work Toybox this holiday season. This year was the first time in my 12 years of working Toybox that I was concerned we would not receive enough toys to distribute to all the applications we received this year. There were several nights we did not work because we did not have toys to fill bags. Late in the final week the outpouring of generosity from the community was astounding. It was heartwarming to wee tables that were almost empty one day be filled to overflowing with toys the next because people in our community heard there was a need, and they responded. This is the true spirit of the holidays: people helping people.

As I arrived at Toybox on delivery night and saw 19 vans lined up being loaded with bags of toys, I was filled with excitement and wonder. Nothing I do during the holidays compares to the rewards of working Toybox. I wish everyone who contributed to Toybox could have seen the faces of the children filled with joy and amazement as Santa arrived at their homes, from the little boy who told his big brother, "See, I told you he was real," to the little girl who proudly showed Santa her spelling certificates.

Thanks to everyone in the community who supported Toybox. You have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of children in our community.

BARB HOPKINS

Cape Girardeau