CHILD NEEDS RIGHT GIFT TO FILL VOID

Sometimes the right toys spark a child's imagination and fill a void created by boredom and confusion.

Perhaps that will happen to an underprivileged 10-year-old Cape Girardeau boy who has been diagnosed with a behavioral disorder.

The boy, who must attend special classes, has a short attention span and is easily distracted; he needs games or toys that will keep his mind occupied.

Toybox, a joint effort of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and Southeast Missourian, could be just the vehicle to provide the child with something that will interest him. It could also mark a positive turn in his life.

Other needy children would have nothing to look forward to were it not for Toybox. One mother said gifts her two children will receive from Toybox will make Christmas possible in her household. "For that I do thank you very much," wrote the mother on her application.

One child, who is 3, has not seen his father since he was 9 months old. Since the boy's father does not send any child support, projects like Toybox will enable him to have a dump truck or perhaps Legos.

Some children have no idea what it means to receive a toy during Christmas.

Area schools, civic groups, companies and individuals have an opportunity to provide the first toy to a child.

The Salvation Army will be accepting applications from families in need until Dec. 9.

Parents should bring Social Security cards of each child and proof of residency. A utility bill will suffice for proof of residency. The Salvation Army is accepting applications from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Toys will be delivered Dec. 20 by Jaycee Santas and elves to homes in Cape Girardeau. Children 12 years of age and younger who are from needy families are eligible for the Toybox project.

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 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.