Dad's work hours reduced; couple has medical many bills

Toybox

Dad's hours have been reduced, and it's probable that his company will not employ him full time again until July. He's looking for part-time work, but this family could use a little help for a happy Christmas.

Michael, Mary and Lydia are stairsteps under 5 years old. Their mom stays at home because the cost of day care for three children would cut into her income so sharply that it wouldn't benefit the family financially for her to work. The family rents an apartment in a high-traffic neighborhood, and it would be helpful for the children to have something to keep them safely occupied in the apartment.

They're saving for a house so the children will have a safe back yard to play in.

Michael loves trains but also needs size 10 1/2 boys shoes.

Dora the Explorer is tops with Mary, 3 years old. Mary also needs shoes, size 8 1/2 girls.

One-year-old Lydia needs clothes in size 24 months, but like all children she loves toys, especially the kinds that are musical, light up or sing.

Christmas for the Elderly

Mrs. C, 70, and her husband have health problems. The couple lives on a small Social Security and VA check. Their mounting medical bills leave nothing for Christmas. Recent surgery for her husband left the couple in a position where they had to remortgage their house to pay for the operation. With limited income it's difficult to pay a mortgage, and their caseworker said they often sacrifice food so their bills are paid on time. The couple will forgo Christmas gifts without help.

Mrs. C. has degenerative disc disease and diabetes. She takes lots of medicine. With her health problems, clothing that goes on and comes off easy would be best. Size 14 to 16 dresses, large sweats, an extra large jacket with hood, pants in a size 16, large sweaters, size 8 1/2 to 9 black or blue patent leather dress shoes or a size 8 tennis shoe would help Mrs. C. to have a few things she needs that just don't fit into the budget. Garment color or brand is not important.

Gift cards for Town and Country and Wal-Mart will help them purchase food.

For those interested in contributing to the Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly campaigns, new toys and gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian office or area locations. Cash contributions are also welcome. All contributions are tax-deductible and may be mailed separately to Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004, or Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.