Educational toys and materials make good gifts

Justin, 8, spends his time looking for fossils in rocks around his family's home.

Right now he uses a magnifying class as his only scientific instrument, so a science kit or books would make a great Christmas gift for him. However, his family is in financial straits and needs assistance from Toybox to provide presents this holiday.

Like Justin, Andre also enjoys science. The 12-year-old would like a chemistry set for Christmas. He also likes hand-held electronic games, remote-controlled cars and airplanes.

Without donations from Toybox, a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian that provides gifts to needy children up to age 12, more than 500 families wouldn't have Christmas presents under their trees.

Educational games, books and puzzles always make good gifts. Many children have requested Leap Frog games and activity books that can help them with reading and math skills.

Board games, crayons and coloring books, Legos, blocks and Barbies are always popular toys. This year, many children have asked for Scooby-Doo, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer toys as well.

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.