CHRISTMAS FOR THE ELDERLY, TOYBOX DRIVES UNDER WAY FOR HOLIDAY SEASON

While many children know Santa will bring them every wish on their Christmas list, others aren't always able to enjoy Santa's visit.

But the Cape Girardeau Jaycees designed a program, co-sponsored by the Southeast Missourian, that allows many children who wouldn't otherwise enjoy Christmas receive a gift from Santa.

For more than 20 years, the civic group and newspaper have teamed up for Toybox, a program that brings holiday cheer to needy children in Cape Girardeau.

Toybox began as a small project for the Jaycees and developed into a communitywide event, said Kim McDowell, Toybox coordinator for the Southeast Missourian. Now nearly 1,500 children receive gifts through the project.

And nearly every Jaycee member is involved in the project, said Scott McClanahan, Toybox chairman for the Jaycees. "It's such a busy season that the chapter is really dependent on its own people. Nearly everyone will donate some time."

In addition to the Jaycees, other civic and church groups often volunteer to help sort toy donations or shop for gifts, McClanahan said.

The Salvation Army began accepting Toybox applications last week. Applications will be taken at the center, 701 Good Hope, through Dec. 5.

When making out their wish lists for Santa, many children request the hottest toys on the market. "A lot of people buy what their kids want or because they know kids would like to play with that," said McClanahan. "But we need crayons and coloring books and things like that -- something to stimulate their imagination."

The toys will be delivered by Santa closer to the Christmas holiday.

About 350 Toybox applications already have been received, said Jackie Thieke, office manager for the Salvation Army.

But children aren't the only recipients of holiday cheer and goodwill. Many of the area's elderly residents benefit through Christmas for the Elderly.

Christmas for the Elderly is a joint effort between the Missourian and the Cape Girardeau County Health Department.

It began 13 years ago to provide for the needs of senior citizens in the area.

Unlike Toybox, there are no applications for the Christmas for the Elderly program. It is primarily a way to identify the needs of elderly people that might have been missed in the past. Donations often include toiletries and small household items.

Donations to the Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly can be made at the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway.