CHILD, 10, HOPES FOR ARTIST'S SUPPLIES

A 10-year-old Cape Girardeau boy has been separated from his mother and sister this holiday season.

His mother is in the Farmington State Hospital and his sister is in the Spirit of St. Louis Hospital. He is in the care of his grandparents.

The boy has demonstrated an active interest in art. Through Toybox, the child is hoping to receive items that will help him continue to pursue his artistic interests.

Drawing pencils and paper would give this boy a chance to express himself at a critical time in his life.

Toybox is a joint venture of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and Southeast Missourian.

Some children who are on the Toybox list this year would appreciate any kind of toy. Five children filled in the category of toy desired with "It doesn't matter. Anything will be greatly appreciated."

Children from another family in Cape Girardeau have asked for any type of learning toys.

A 6-year-old boy is interested in reading. He has asked for Lego blocks, Better Blocks or a reader-type book this Christmas.

New, unwrapped toys may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, or to the following Toybox collection sites: West Park Mall, Boatmen's Bank, Capital Bank, Perry Travel Center, Gulliver's Travel Agency, AmeriFirst Bank, Commerce Bank, Roosevelt Bank and Mercantile Bank.

Gifts and contributions may be mailed to Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0004.