PEOPLE NEEDED TO SHARE GIFTS AT CHRISTMAS: BOY WANTS SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Two boys who live in Cape Girardeau, ages 13 and 9, would like to play sports other youngsters enjoy in their backyard: basketball, baseball, football and soccer.

But those items will be too expensive for their parents this Christmas. With Toybox, however, they have requested that someone more fortunate donate them before Dec. 9. This marks the 20th year for Toybox, a joint venture of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and Southeast Missourian.

Another boy, 12, would like to have his own Super Nintendo game tape for Christmas.

Two more children, a 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy, have set their sights on board games, race cars, a watch or perhaps a football.

With the help of the Cape Jaycees and Southeast Missourian, these children will have something on their wish list donated and delivered.

Those interested in getting their wish list checked off must go to the Salvation Army before Dec. 9 and fill out an application. Social security cards for each child must be provided along with proof of residence within the Cape Girardeau's city limits. Applications are being accepted Monday through Friday from 10 to noon and 2 to 4.

Gifts will be delivered to their homes Dec. 20 by Santa Claus and a team of elves from the Jaycees.

A 3-year-old from another needy family would like to know what it's like to play with cars, trucks, tractors or a farm set. A 6-year-old from the same family has become interested in Power Ranger toys. The oldest, an 11-year-old, has developed an interest in sports. A ball or some type of sports game has been included in the family's wish list for toys this Christmas.

Volunteers from the Jaycees will work four evenings a week and weekend afternoons to make the dreams of these children come true.

New, unwrapped toys may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, or to the following Toybox collection spots: West Park Mall, Boatmen's Bank, Capital Bank, Perry Travel Center, Gulliver's Travel Agency, AmeriFirst Bank, Commerce Bank, Roosevelt Bank and Mercantile Bank.

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