Grandmother raising two needs help

Christmas morning will be sad for Sandra's grandchildren, 2-year-old Tommy and 3-year-old Joey, unless she receives a little help. They look at the Christmas tree and see the commercials and she knows they understand. But Sandra is unable to come up with the money.

"My daughter and her husband abandoned these children, and the state asked if I wanted them," she said.

The reason Sandra finds it financially difficult is that she cannot work. She has diabetes, high blood pressure, recently had a heart attack and needs back surgery. Sandra said she goes to a pain management center until she can have the back surgery she needs. She is awaiting a disability determination.

Toys that would keep Tommy content are any Scooby-Doo or Sponge Bob DVDs, Spider-Man colorforms or any games.

Handheld toys to play with while they're riding in the car would be appreciated and for times when there are people there that can help supervise, a bike or football would help.

Joey would like the same things. Matching toys might eliminate sibling wars, easing the already difficult caregiving.

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.