MANY HAVE HELPED GIVE TOYBOX BOOST IT NEEDS

Toybox needed a big boost this year, and it came from a number of sources.

"We're helping Santa Claus," cried the children from Westminster Christian Preschool as they placed gifts under the Toybox Christmas tree at the Southeast Missourian. These children were continuing what has been a tradition at the preschool for 15 years.

"We talk about giving to a little boy or girl who might not receive anything," said Nita Sheets, a teacher at the preschool. "We like to let the children give because they receive all of the time."

Toybox has received a large number of gift and monetary donations in the past week, and volunteers say the response will allow more than 400 needy families and 1,000 children to receive Christmas presents this year.

"This community always responds well to Toybox, and we are confident we will be able to reach all of the children again this year," said Toybox organizer Kim McDowell.

McDowell said schools, businesses and individuals all answered the need for Toybox gifts by giving in small and large amounts.

"A number of groups and schools have given gifts, and various businesses have brought us checks," she said. McDowell also said some groups, like the Naval Reserve, recycled cans or did other yearlong projects to raise money for the annual toy drive.

A team of Jaycees Santas and elves will suit up Thursday evening to deliver toys to children on their routes.

Toybox, in its 22nd year, is co-sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian. New, unwrapped toys and gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian office or area 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, First National Bank, Commerce Bank and Sanders True Value Hardware.

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