Area families need help with Christmas cheer

In its 33rd year, Toybox, sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian, will deliver toys to children this holiday season. Tax-deductible monetary donations can be mailed to Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, 63702-0004.

Parents hope for bright Christmas

DeJaneira is 12 years old. Her mother works at a factory, and her dad is a fry cook. Her mom, Alicia, told her to ask Santa for some of the things she wanted. A blue or pink polka dot binder is one thing on her list. Alicia said that when school supply time came around she had to stick to the most generic on every item so it wouldn't upset the family budget. Other items on DeJaneira's list are a CD player, alarm clock, board games, Rubik's Cube, camera, puzzles, makeup, jewelry, scary movies and "High School Musical" and "High School Musical 2" DVDs.

Mother says her children need challenges

Challenges are what Mercedes wants for her children. The young mother has her GED and plans on going to college next year. Malik, 6, needs PlayStation games that will challenge him. Mercedes said the PS2 teen-rated games would be best because the ones he has now are too easy. Shrek DVDs, board games such as Life and Candyland and computer games are also on Malik's list.

Marissa, 5, wants to keep up with her brother. Computer games would keep the two of them satisfied for a while. Mercedes would like some dolls for her daughter. She plays with a lot of her brother's toys, but Barbie dolls and clothes, baby dolls, Bratz or Cabbage Patch dolls are what she really wants. A Barbie movie on DVD is another idea.