Brother, sister diverge in toy interests

Siblings Bailey, 6, and Bradley, 3, are about as different as day and night when it comes to their interest in toys. Their parents are seeking help from Toybox this year in order to provide the children with holiday gifts.

Toybox is a program of the Southeast Missourian and Cape Girardeau Jaycees that provides gifts and toys to needy children up to age 12. Though the real names of the children whose families are seeking aid aren't published, their needs and requests are real.

These children would like some games, crayons and coloring books for Christmas. Bradley likes Hot Wheels and Tonka Trucks also. His sister wants nail polish, hair bows and Barbie dolls.

Their younger sister is just 6 months old and could use some teething toys and blocks.

Donations of new, unused toys for Toybox are being collected at Southeast Missourian offices in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, AAA Travel Agency, First National Bank, First Missouri State Bank, Bank of America, Sanders True Value, Bank of Missouri, Capaha Bank, Cingular Wireless, Union Planters Bank, Alliance Bank, Toys R Us, Commerce Bank, Westfield Shoppingtown West Park, U.S. Bank and Wehrenberg Theatres.

Applications for the program are being accepted through Dec. 6 at the Salvation Army office, 701 Good Hope. Applicants must provide a Social Security number for each child listed and proof of residence. Applications are accepted between 10 a.m. and noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to Toybox Trust at P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.