CHRISTMAS GIFT DRIVES TO BEGIN

Applications for two annual holiday gift programs, Toybox and Christmas Baskets, open Monday.

Toybox is a joint project of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian newspaper designed to provide toys to needy Cape Girardeau children.

Christmas Baskets is the Salvation Army program to provide a holiday meal and gifts to needy residents of the area.

Applications for both programs can be made in person at the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope, through Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon and 2-4 p.m. weekdays.

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

This year the Toybox campaign will focus on toys, along with hats, gloves, mittens and scarves. Clothing and coats, which have been supplied in past years, are available through a variety of other programs in the city and will not be part of the Toybox campaign.

Collection of gifts will begin after the Thanksgiving holiday. The toys collected from area residents will be delivered to needy youngsters on Dec. 15 from 7-9 p.m.

The Salvation Army provides, according to the size of the family, enough food for a holiday meal, toys for the children and vouchers for needed clothing.

In addition to the Christmas Baskets program, the Salvation Army will also visit nursing homes and distribute over 1,500 gifts to residents during the holiday season. The Salvation Army also hosts several Christmas parties.

The annual Tree of Lights fund-raising campaign kicked off Friday. The goal is $115,000 and chairman of this year's event is Carol Keeler of KZIM Radio. Money raised is used to fund Christmas activities and Salvation Army programs throughout the year.

Kettles appeared outside area businesses on Friday and direct mail solicitation begins soon.

The Tree of Lights Christmas tree will be set up Thursday in front of the KFVS television building.