ANNUAL TOYBOX FOR NEEDY UNDER WAY

The Salvation Army is accepting applications for the annual Christmas Toy Box drive through Dec. 8.

Applications may be filled out at the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope. Applicants are urged to come in early to make sure forms can be processed. Late applications will not be accepted.

Cape Girardeau Jaycees Santas and elves will deliver the toys to children in Cape Girardeau Dec. 21, said Mike Seabaugh, Toy Box co-chairman.

"We're able to give a lot of kids in the area a good Christmas who probably wouldn't have a good Christmas otherwise, and help their parents with what we have for the people who need help," he said.

Parents applying for their children to receive toys through Toy Box must list their children's Social Security numbers and must have proof of Cape Girardeau residency. Children through age 12 are eligible for the drive.

Toy Box is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian.

Seabaugh said he looks forward to delivering the toys every year.

"That's the best part of the whole thing is delivery night, when you see the expressions on the kids' faces when you go in your Santa suit and hand out the toys," he said. "That makes the whole thing worthwhile."

Toy Box, sponsored by the Southeast Missourian and Cape Girardeau Jaycees, benefits an average of 400 to 500 families, or 1,000 to 1,200 children, annually.

Kim McDowell, Toy Box coordinator for the Southeast Missourian, said donations of new toys are needed. "We want every child to have new toys for Christmas," she said.

Clothing donations are not being accepted for the drive this year, McDowell said.

Toys may be dropped off at the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, or at West Park Mall. Additional collection sites will be announced, McDowell said.

Jackie Thieke said the Salvation Army is sponsoring its own toy drive for area children residing outside Cape Girardeau. In addition, the Salvation Army is accepting donations of food for its community Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 23 and for holiday distributions, Thieke said.