Cape Girardeau Jaycees seek donations for Toybox, Christmas for the Elderly

Cape Girardeau Jaycees still are seeking donations for Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly.

Donations of new and unwrapped toys will be accepted until Dec. 21 at about 20 locations, including the Southeast Missourian. Jaycee Santas will deliver the toys Dec. 22.

Donations of money and supplies for Christmas for the Elderly will be accepted through Friday at the Southeast Missourian. The gifts for the elderly will be delivered Dec. 18.

Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly spokeswoman Tracy Haggerty said Toybox will provide Christmas gifts to about 1,200 children in 327 households this year. She said that is about the same number of children served last year by Toybox.

This is the 42nd year for Toybox, she said.

Christmas for the Elderly is slated to help 29 people with everything from groceries to pharmacy bills, Haggerty said. Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services identified area elderly in need of such items as bedding, toiletries and warm clothes.

Haggerty said Toybox still needs gifts, particularly for young teenagers. Toybox serves children up to age 13.

“We filled bags this week,” Haggerty said. “Our shelves are pretty low right now.”

Haggerty said arts and craft items, jewelry and makeup are popular items for teenage girls. Boys like science and model kits and sports equipment, she said.

This year, children also will receive books. Barnes & Noble has donated about 1,000 books, she said.

“I love that we are getting books in the hands of kids,” said Haggerty, a Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School teacher.

mbliss@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641