Boy wants to stay fit with weights; woman recovering from surgery needs food for dog, mattress, clothing

James is 12 and is already wanting to stay healthy by building up his muscles. His mom wants to encourage his healthy attitude by getting him a weight bench and weights to work out with, but her budget just won't allow it this year. A CD boom box would make the workouts a fun time and a skateboard would get James outside to exercise, too. His 3-year-old sister loves Dora the Explorer and "The Little Mermaid" and would be tickled to get dolls to play with as well as princess dress-up clothes, a baby doll with bottles and a doll stroller.

Help Toybox this year and give joy to these children by bringing new toys to any of the Toybox locations, including The Southeast Missourian at 301 Broadway. Or make monetary donations to Toybox, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702. Most-requested items include learning toys, Barbie dolls, Transformers, board games and Hannah Montana, Dora the Explorer and Spider-Man items.

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Ms. M is recovering from brain surgery and suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure. Her biggest wish for Christmas is a new full-size mattress for her bed with sheets and blankets to cover them. Her greatest joy is her small dog and he could use some dog food and toys. Ms. M could also use shirts and pants in size medium, shoes size 5 1/2 and a gift certificate to Walmart to purchase other needed personal items.

You can help Ms. M and other needy elderly people in our area by buying these needed items, including grocery gift cards and personal grooming and cleaning supplies and delivering them to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway. Monetary donations can also be sent to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702. All elderly served are living independently on limited incomes with few, if any, family members. They would greatly appreciate your sharing spirit.