MEDICAL PROBLEMS ADD TO BURDENS OF FAMILIES

When a parent has one child who has health problems, things can be difficult. But when a parent has two children with special medical needs, those problems can become overwhelming.

That is why one mother is asking for help from the Toy Box toy drive this Christmas.

"My son suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder," she wrote, "and my daughter has asthma so bad she cannot go outside to play most of the time."

The son's problem causes him to be very impulsive, and he has behavioral problems because he cannot focus long on one task. The daughter's problem requires her to be inside, and she cannot push herself physically for fear of causing an asthma attack.

This means that in most instances the siblings cannot play together, because he has a need to move around a lot, and she can't join him.

The mother would like to get her school-aged son toys and games that capture his attention, like cars, blocks, and computerized games. Because of his disorder, his frustration levels are low, so the games should be kept simple.

The mother would like to get her daughter, who is older, board games, a Barbie doll and a doll house, and a Super Talk telephone. These would allow her to play quietly, without a lot of exertion.

Toy Box is in its 22nd year and is co-sponsored by the Cape Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian. The program works to provide Christmas presents to over 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 Dec. 6.

New, unwrapped toys and gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian office or area locations. Drop off points are located at West Park Mall, Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems, Boatmen's Bank, Gulliver's Travel Agency, Mercantile Bank, Union Planters Bank, 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 Toy Box Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0004.