ONLY ABOUT HALF OF TOYBOX ORDERS FILLED

When was the last time you played a board game?

Maybe it has been awhile. But do you remember all the fun you had playing Checkers or maybe Candyland and Monopoly?

Many area children don't have board games to enjoy this year. Some of those children wouldn't have any gifts at Christmas if it weren't for donations you make to Toybox.

Toybox is a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian that helps needy families with gifts for their children. Jaycees volunteers try to fill specific wishes for toys and add a game as an extra gift.

"We always try to add a game in the bag if there is more than one child at the house," said Michelle Bir, a Jaycees member who does most of the group's shopping.

Jaycees volunteers filled about 100 bags of toys Monday night, but a lot more are needed.

"We need all we've had in donations again to fill all the bags," said Mike Seabaugh, Toybox coordinator.

Volunteers have filled bags of toys for almost half the 425 applications received.

Many of those children asked specifically for games:

• Vince, 4, would be happy with some ABC blocks or a learning game and some flashcards so he can learn his alphabet and numbers before school.
• Corey, 10, would like to play UNO this Christmas with his sister, Carrie. She would like to try her luck at Twister.
• Devon, 5, would like to practice his counting skills with the Trouble game.

Monopoly, Candyland, and Chutes and Ladders have been among the top requests this year, Seabaugh said. Electronic games are always popular, but "we also need board games," he said.

New, unwrapped toys can be delivered to the Southeast Missourian offices in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, AAA Travel Agency, First National Bank, Mercantile Bank, Bank of America, Sander's True Value, Bank of Missouri, Southwestern Bell Wireless, Union Planters Bank, the ShopKo Court at West Park Mall, Alliance Bank, Commerce Bank, Toys R Us and Capaha Bank.

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

Jaycees Santas will deliver the toys Tuesday, which is now less than a week away.