COLLECTIONS FOR TOYBOX ARE BUILDING

The tide seems to be turning for the better in this year's Toybox campaign. Organizers are optimistic but cautious.

On Thursday, a steady stream of gift-givers brought many toys and a glimmer of hope that people in the community would again respond to the Christmas wishes of children and the needed number of presents would arrive.

A tiny police tricycle, a giant stuffed gorilla, a book of nursery rhymes are among the gifts that will delight children this Christmas.

Toys will be delivered in less than a week, on Dec. 19.

Volunteers are prepared to work non-stop between now and then provided they have toys. Hundreds of little children still have no gifts for Christmas.

While things are looking up, organizers are still cautious. The toys must continue to arrive non-stop at drop-off spots in the community through next week.

Toybox is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian newspaper.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys are requested. Also, donations of new coats, mittens, hats and warm clothes are needed.

Gifts may be dropped off at the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, West Park Mall, Capital Bank, AmeriFirst Bank, Farm and Home Savings Association, Gulliver's Travel Agency and Perry Travel Center.

Cash gifts may be sent to Toybox, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

For more information, call Kim McDowell at 335-6611.