HOLIDAY TOY AND FOOD APPLICATIONS DUE SOON

The Salvation Army will begin accepting applications Nov. 21 for Toy Box and the holiday food drive.

Food donations for the Salvation Army Community Thanksgiving are being accepted now.

Applications for Toy Box, which is sponsored by the Southeast Missourian, and the holiday food drive will continue to be accepted until Dec. 9. The Salvation Army urges those who are planning to apply for Christmas toys and food for the holidays to do so as soon as possible.

"Last year some of the people who filled out applications waited until the last minute and we weren't able to process the forms in time to help them out," Jackie Thieke, who handles the applications for Salvation Army, said.

"If you don't want to get left out, come in early and fill out the forms."

The Salvation Army, located at 701 Good Hope, will accept applications each day from Nov. 21 to Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

To sign up for Toy Box, bring Social Security cards for the children who will be receiving gifts. There must also be proof of residency. A utility bill or any bill that shows an address and name will serve as proof of residency.

The Salvation Army will also hold a toy drive independent of the Southeast Missourian's Toy Box and Christmas for the Elderly.

Toy Box will provide toys for children in Cape Girardeau. The Salvation Army will provide toys for children in Cape Girardeau County and other towns in the area, including some in Illinois.

To sign up for holiday food goods you must have a Social Security card for each child, two forms of identification and proof of residence. In addition, you must bring proof of income to receive holiday food goods.

The new Salvation Army building will provide plenty of space to store can goods, turkeys and toys this year. "In the past we had problems with storage space, but we will be able to handle a lot more from now on," Thieke said.