Collections begin for gift campaigns

Amber, 22, is a single mother and full-time student at Southeast Missouri State University. Up until September, she also had a full-time job as a supervisor. Until she finds a new job, she's worried about how she is going to provide Christmas gifts for her 4-year-old daughter, Ashley. Ashley is an energetic child who loves arts and crafts, especially painting. Amber said an easel with a thick notebook would be a perfect Christmas gift. Ashley also likes Bratz dolls.

In its 33rd year, Toybox, sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian, will deliver toys to children like Ashley this holiday season. Last year, more than 1,200 children were served.

Christmas for the Elderly, a companion program, will serve low-income senior citizens. The program is sponsored by the Southeast Missourian, Cape Girardeau Jaycees, the Missouri Division of Senior Services, Hoover Eldercare, Area on Aging and the Cape Girardeau County health department.

In its 23rd year, Christmas for the Elderly will help seniors who typically don't have a family, lack basic supplies and can't spend money to treat themselves to a Christmas.

Here is how to get involved:

Toybox

What to give: Organizers suggest donating action figures, art supplies, educational toys or any unwrapped new toy.

How to give money: Tax-deductible monetary donations can be mailed to Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, 63702-0004.

When you can give: Collection started Friday. Gifts will be delivered Dec. 20.

Where to give: Donations can be dropped off at more than 30 locations, including most banks, AAA Travel and Insurance, Dollar General, Elite Travel, Fitness Plus, Hastings, HealthPoint Fitness, Osage Community Centre, Paula Huggins Accounting, Realty Executives, Wal-Mart, Cape West 14 Cine and West Park Mall.

Christmas for the Elderly

What to give: Organizers suggest donating towels, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, books, clothes, food and gift certificates to pharmacies, grocery stores or discount stores like Wal-Mart.

How to give money: Tax-deductible monetary donations can be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, 63702-0004.

When you can give: Collection started Friday. Gifts will be delivered by Dec. 19.

Where to give: Donations can be dropped off at the Southeast Missourian office at 301 Broadway.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123