Children want toys, books for learning

Toybox

Parents working two jobs to make ends meet can't seem to find enough money to buy stuffed animals and new books for their children this Christmas. Brandi, 4, wants Care Bears and Dora the Explorer dolls. She also likes learning books and books that play music. She is really interested in playing dress-up and using pretend make-up. Barbies and My Little Pony toys would make ideal gifts for her. Her younger brother Cameron, 3, is fascinated with SpongeBob SquarePants and Pokemon toys. He also likes trucks and motorcycles and other cars and "boy toys," his mother says. Books and puzzles also make ideal gifts for this youngster.

Christmas for the Elderly

Miss H lives alone and has no family around. Her expenses take up half her check each month, so there's little left for herself. A caseworker says she would appreciate anything this year because she has so very little.

Miss H suffers from high blood pressure and takes medications for that condition, but at 84 she has no other health concerns.

She would like new tennis shoes in size 9 1/2 wide and socks. She also wants a new winter coat in any color, size 1X. New winter caps and gloves also are a must for the cold weather. She would like new pants and shirts also, both in styles that pull on with elastic or slip over the head. The shirts also can button. She needs size large pants and blouses in 1X.

Donations can be made at the Southeast Missourian offices or other locations around town. Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0004.