CHRISTMAS DRIVES GET AN EARLY START

This year, Christmas-like cold weather hit Cape Girardeau early, and so will the 22nd annual Christmas Toy Box toy drive, sponsored by Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian.

The 12th annual Christmas for the Elderly program, which is co-sponsored by the Southeast Missourian and the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Department, will also occur earlier than normal.

That's because a late Thanksgiving has shortened the amount of time these drives can run.

"It may seem we're a little early with Toy Box preparations, but there's only two weeks between Thanksgiving and the time we have to complete the campaign," said Kim McDowell, Toy Box coordinator for the Southeast Missourian.

Children ages newborn to 12 who live within Cape Girardeau city limits are eligible to receive gifts through the toy drive. Adults should bring proof of residency and a Social Security card for each person who lives at the address when they apply at the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope. Applications will only be accepted from Nov. 18 until Dec. 6.

More than 1,200 children benefit from the Toy Box drive each year.

According to Charlotte Craig, who helps coordinate Christmas for the Elderly, the health department utilizes donations it receives all year long.

"It's grown from a nice thing that happens at Christmastime to a year's worth of giving," said Craig. "We are able to relieve a lot of pain and suffering because this program exists."

Christmas for the Elderly benefits senior citizens from the entire area, Craig said, because names and donations are provided from different agencies and individuals from Cape Girardeau and surrounding counties. Everyone gets in the giving mood during the Christmas season, and that helps us help others get the things they need whenever they need them, she said.

"It's a wonderful program," said Craig. "We hope everyone continues to give gifts and donations. But people do need to know that because of confidentiality they won't be able to know the person they are making the donation to."

Donations for Christmas for the Elderly will be taken at the Southeast Missourian 301 Broadway, or the health department, 1121 Linden.

People may drop off new, unwrapped toys for the Toy Box drive at the Southeast Missourian, West Park Mall, or at various points around Cape Girardeau. The toys will be picked up and sorted by gender and age group throughout the drive, said Kerry Reeves, Jaycees co-sponsor. Bags will be filled, she said, and Jaycee Santas and elves will deliver the bags Dec. 19.