Donations still needed for children in area

The Christmas shopping season is passing quickly, and without donations from the community, many area children won't have gifts under the Christmas tree.

Toybox is a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian that provides toys to needy children in the community.

But donations are low. Gifts for all ages are needed to make sure that the more than 400 families who sought assistance can receive gifts this Christmas.

Some suggestions for your shopping list include soccer balls, footballs and basketballs, skateboards, board games like Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Monopoly and Clue, puzzles, educational books and games for teaching reading and math skills, Barbies, dolls and accessories, hand-held electronic games and batteries.

Some children, like 7-year-old Ellie, have asked for Mary Kate and Ashley dolls, Hello Kitty figurines and Barbies. She also wants a soccer ball.

Ellie's younger brother, Joseph, 18 months, could use some riding toys and bath toys. He also likes the Rugrats, so any figurines or dolls would be great gifts.

The baby, only 2 months old, could use any sort of crib mobiles or soft toys. The infant was born with a club foot and must wear a leg brace for the next three years. She also likes musical toys.

Donations of new, unused toys are being collected at Southeast Missourian offices in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, AAA Travel Agency, First National Bank, First Missouri State Bank, Bank of America, Sanders True Value, Bank of Missouri, Capaha Bank, Cingular Wireless, Union Planters Bank, Alliance Bank, Toys R Us, Commerce Bank, Westfield Shoppingtown West Park, U.S. Bank and Wehrenberg Theatres.

Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to Toybox Trust at P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.