PARENTS OF DISABLED MAKE SIMPLE REQUESTS

Parents of mentally and developmentally disabled children have simple but special requests for Toybox toys this Christmas.

They want developmental toys and games to provide their children with fun things that help enhance special skills.

Several parents of children with Down's syndrome applied to Toybox this year. The disorder, characterized by moderate to severe mental retardation, also slows physical development.

The parents request Barbie dolls and Power Rangers action figures for their children. They would also like games that teach simple educational and developmental skills. The children also enjoy colorful or musical toys and games.

"My daughter is mentally impaired," wrote one mother, "and she is on an age level four or five years younger than her actual age. If you could bring her something, that will maker her very happy."

Toybox, in its 22nd year, is co-sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian. The program provides Christmas presents to more than 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 Friday.

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