HELP FOR THE HOLIDAYS; FATHER HOPES GIFTS WILL EASE DAUGHTER'S PAIN

Mothers aren't alone in wanting to give gifts to a special child or children this Christmas.

One father wants to give his young daughter a bicycle, a Barbie doll with extra clothes, and crayons, puzzles and games.

He wrote, "I want Christmas to be a very special holiday this year because her mother recently died. She is somewhat disturbed by everything, and we are trying to get a new life now."

A grandmother requested black dolls, trucks, cars and games for her five grandchildren because she is the primary caregiver.

Another grandmother would like to get her grandson a basketball and a bike for Christmas.

A foster-parents couple want to get their foster daughter a doll house, a Barbie doll and educational toys this Christmas. She was taken from her biological mother because of domestic violence, they wrote.

Toybox, in its 22nd year, is co-sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian. The program each year provides Christmas presents to more than 1,200 children in low-income families.

All donations will be used to buy gifts for children through the age of 12 who otherwise might not get 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 Dec. 6.

New, unwrapped toys and gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian office or area locations. Gifts will be delivered by a team of Jaycees Santas Dec. 19.

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