GREAT-GRANDMOTHER NEEDS HOLIDAY HELP

A woman who thought she was finished raising children has the responsibility of raising one more.

The child's father is in prison and her mother deserted her.

So great-grandmother dusted off her child-rearing skills, and once again has a toddler in her home.

Great-grandma said she isn't complaining because the child is a part of her. But money does get tight, and a developing child needs things.

For Christmas the child is not asking for much. Great-grandma said a simple doll and maybe a set of play dishes for the child would make her happy.

Toybox, in its 22nd year, is co-sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian. The program works to provide Christmas presents to 1,200 children each year.

All donations will be used to buy gifts for children through the age of 12 who otherwise might not receive Christmas gifts.

Parents wishing to apply should take proof of residency and a Social Security card for each person who lives at the address to the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope, by Friday.

New, unwrapped toys and gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian office or at drop-off points at West Park Mall, Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems, Boatmen's Bank, Gulliver's Travel Agency, Mercantile Bank, Union Planters Bank, AAA Travel Agency, The First National Bank, Commerce Bank and Sanders True Value Hardware.

Gifts will be delivered by a team of Jaycee Santas on Dec. 19.

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