CHILD ON TOYBOX FORM: `JUST SOMETHING TO PLAY WITH'

When 8-year-old Minnie filled out her wish-list for Christmas on a Toybox application, she gave a few examples of what she wanted: roller skates, a reading book or "some special doll.

"Just something to play with," Minnie wrote. She added: "Thank you Santa!"

A lot of the parents and children who fill out Toybox applications are not asking for anything in particular when it comes to what kind of toys they would like Santa to deliver to their homes.

Many have listed "anything" or "just toys" behind their children's names, ages and Social Security numbers. Others just list the child's name and age.

Toybox, a joint project of the Southeast Missourian and the Cape Girardeau Jaycees, seeks to match children with toys donated by generous members of the community.

Scott McClanahan, Jaycees chairman of the toy drive, said that even if parents are not specific about certain toys their children desire, every effort is made to get that child at least a couple of gifts appropriate to his or her age.

"Any toy that is donated will work," said McClanahan. "We try to bulk up on Barbie dolls and GI Joe-type figures that we know little girls and boys like. Barney is real big this year, too. But anything that is donated will be given to a child."

Applications are being accepted at the Salvation Army Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-noon and from 2-4 p.m. through Dec. 15.

Those filling out applications must bring with them identification, proof of current address and Social Security cards for everyone in the family.

New, unwrapped toys may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, or to the following Toybox drop-off spots: West Park Mall, Boatmen's Bank, Capital Bank, Perry Travel Center, Gulliver's Travel Agency, AmeriFirst Bank, Commerce Bank, Farm and Home Savings Association and Mercantile Bank.

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

Gifts will be delivered Dec. 21 by Santa Claus and a team of elves from the Jaycees.

For more information, call Kim McDowell at 335-6611.