Annual drives begin to provide toys, items to needy in area for Christmas

The annual Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly drives are in full swing, and the need this year is greater than in years past, one of their organizers says.

This year the Cape Jaycees' Toybox project is celebrating its 40th year of collecting toys for children in the area, and organizers are hoping to provide for even more children in need.

"I've been a schoolteacher for 15 years ... [and] there's more need this year than in previous years," co-chairwoman Tracy Haggerty said.

Haggerty is one of three Jaycee members organizing the Toybox drive this year. She is working with Amy Lord and Alicia Schumer to collect the hundreds of gifts needed for children in the Cape Girardeau area.

"Every year they [donations] come in later and later," Haggerty said. "This isn't something that can be done in a week ... we start Oct. 1 to Dec. 21. ..."

Last year the Jaycee's Toybox program collected toys for 510 families, and on average Haggerty thought that applicant families had three to four children each, spending between $50 and $75 per child. She said that although funds were cut the previous year, the program was able to carry forward some funds this year to help make up the difference.

"It's funny, I remember as a little girl my mom taking us [Haggerty and her siblings] on a special shopping trip for Jaycee's Toybox, and every year she would take a picture of us putting presents under the tree at the Southeast Missourian," she recalled. "Then, as a young professional, I got involved in the Jaycees and started with the Toybox program, and that was 12 years ago."

Christmas for the Elderly

Christmas for the Elderly is going on its 30th year. The program is sponsored by the Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian. Applications are taken through the Missouri Division of Senior Services for elderly residents in Cape Girardeau County.

Haggerty said that last year the program provided essentials for approximately 40 elderly people, and, although the gifts aren't as fun as those given to the youngsters, the elderly are just as thankful.

"They're always so appreciative and so excited for the gifts they receive," Haggerty said. "Even if it's just a new coat or slippers."

Collections for the elderly can dropped off at the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, or monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

The donations go toward items the elderly need, such as cleaning supplies, coats, bedding, groceries and bills. Christmas for the Elderly tries to assist people in giving them anything they could need to make life more comfortable through the winter months, Haggerty said.

Kim's Toybox Run

The last event of the Jaycees Christmas season is Kim's Toybox Run, also referred to as "The Broadway Mile," in which patrons can sign up for a race Nov. 30 to run from West End Boulevard to Main Street.

The race's registration fee goes toward Toybox, and people also can bring donations to the run.

The event begins at 4:55 p.m. with runners meeting at the West End Boulevard and Broadway intersection. Runners can store their belongings at Discovery Playhouse at 502 Broadway and return there to watch the annual Christmas Parade of Lights with their families.

The Toybox collection drive is running until Dec. 18, and all new toy donations are welcome.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

Pertinent addresses:

Discovery Playhouse, 502 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

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2014 Drop Locations for Jaycee Toybox

Alliance Bank

Capaha Bank

Commerce Bank

Osage Centre

Southeast Missourian

Montgomery Bank

Regions Bank

US Bank

Wehrenberg Theaters

First Missouri State Bank

The Bank of Missouri

Wal-Mart

HealthPoint

Sears

Fitness Plus

Elite Travel

Realty Executives

First State Community Bank

Christian School for the Young Years

Elements Salon

Wood and Huston Bank

Drury Call Center

(Reservations)

First Impression/Techniques

AT&T Call Center

Cape Girardeau Honda

Academy of Dance Arts

PC Wellness Centers

Charter Communications

Le Bounce

Missouri Running Company

Wells Fargo Financial Advisors

Aloha Pools and Spas

Velosity Electronics

Premier Rehab

West Park Mall

Notre Dame

SEMO/FM

Creative Ewe Pottery

Saint Francis Medical

Center (ER)

Nell Holcomb

Leet EyeCare