FINANCIAL CUTBACKS MEAN LESS CHRISTMAS

A year ago Natalie was making her Christmas wish list, knowing her parents or Santa would likely get most of the items she wanted.

This year the story is a little different. Instead of working full time, her father is working just two days a week. Her mother works too, but the family's income has been drastically cut. Added to that were some medical bills the family hadn't planned for.

Natalie, who is 11, still has a Christmas wish list, but this year she's pretty sure most of the items on the list will not appear beneath the tree.

She would like a Monopoly and Sorry game, a coloring book, new crayons and a Barbie doll.

Toybox would like to make at least one of Natalie's wishes come true.

The first week of giving has been slow, but giving is expected to pick up this week.

Applications are being accepted at the Salvation Army Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-noon and from 2-4 p.m. through Dec. 15.

Those filling out applications must bring with them identification, proof of current address and Social Security cards for everyone in the family.

Gifts will be delivered Dec. 21 by Santa Claus and a team of elves from the Jaycees.

New, unwrapped toys may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, or to the following Toybox drop-off spots: West Park Mall, Boatmen's Bank, Capital Bank, Perry Travel Center, Gulliver's Travel Agency, AmeriFirst Bank, Commerce Bank, Farm and Home Savings Association and Mercantile Bank.

Gifts and contributions may be mailed to Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.

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