Gift campaigns kick off

~ Editor's note: This is the first installment in a series of profiles for the Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly campaigns sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees, Division of Senior Services, Hoover Eldercare, Cape Girardeau County Health Department and the Southeast Missourian.

Children who have little in the way of belongings look forward to Christmas with expectations the same as all children. The need to be cared for spills over into all age groups but often the elderly, who are no longer earning wages and live on a fixed income often have needs that go unfulfilled all year long due to other responsiblities that must be met. Folks who are able to contribute to the needs of the two groups would help eliminate an otherwise lonely or disappointing Christmas for those in our community who need a little help.

Contributions to Toybox help fill a need for children who may not otherwise receive gifts at Christmas. The Toybox program served more than 1,200 children from birth to 12 years of age last year and continues in its 31st year to reach out to children with new toys.

Christmas for the Elderly, in its 21st year, touches the lives of senior citizens who may be lonely, in poor health and living on limited incomes with little left over. Basic wishes including warm clothing, food or gift certificates to pharmacies to help pay for prescriptions and other necessities. The contributions the community offers can determine whether it's a sad or happy Christmas for these individuals and families asking for help.

Cape Girardeau teacher Tracy Haggerty, organizer for this year's Toybox program, said many of the requests for children's toys have been for educational toys. Examples include See 'n Say or Leapster toys. Donations can be dropped off at the Southeast Missourian offices. Tax-deductible monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.

Toybox

Thomas, 6, and his sister, Karen, 2, will spend their second Christmas without their mother due to a house fire last year. They live with their grandmother. Meeting the simple needs of this tiny family whose loss will never be regained are simple. Storybooks for a 2-year-old who enjoys being read to and action figures for a little boy would make Christmas morning magical for these siblings.

Christmas for the Elderly

Mr. A, 68, is a widower living alone on a limited income, has health problems related to breathing and difficulty with memory relating to a stroke he had more than a decade ago. He has limited contact with his family. Mr. A would like some practical cleaning items for windows, dishes, toilet bowls and wash and bath towels in any color. Gift certificates to Save-A-Lot or Broadway Pharmacy would also be gladly welcomed.