Programs mean gifts for kids, elderly

A slowing national economy and local job losses could mean more children and families will go without this holiday season.

The Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian are again teaming up to offer a toy collection to help needy families in Cape Girardeau.

The Jaycees also are helping to organize the collection for Christmas for the Elderly, a program which helps with the extra items older people need but simply can't afford.

Beginning Monday, the Southeast Missourian will publish profiles about the people who receive gifts distributed through these programs. The stories are true, although some names and identities are changed to help protect privacy.

Toybox has been operating for 27 years in the community and delivers toys, games and books to families with infants and children up to age 12. Last year, about 1,500 children received gifts from the Jaycee collection.

"We have a feeling that it will be up this year," said Lisa Seabaugh, a Jaycee member who is helping organize the effort.

Of the applications received so far at the Salvation Army, several have notes about lost jobs or pending layoffs, she said.

Applications for the Toybox program are still being accepted through Dec. 5 at the Salvation Army office, 701 Good Hope. Applicants must provide a Social Security number for each child listed and proof of residence. Applications are accepted between 10 a.m. and noon and 2-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Gifts for all ages are needed for Toybox. Toys that help with learning abilities, like blocks, puzzles and books, make great gifts. Younger children also like toys that make sounds or light up when touched.

Seabaugh expects plenty of requests for Harry Potter paraphernalia, Shrek toys, hand-held electronic games, board games, and Leap Frog toys.

Drop-off locations for new, unused toys are Southeast Missourian offices, AAA Travel Agency, First National Bank, Firstar Bank, Check Please, Bank of America, Sanders True Value, Bank of Missouri, Capaha Bank, Cingular Wireless, Union Planters Bank, Alliance Bank, Toys R Us, Commerce Bank at the Cape LaCroix Road location only, Westfield Shoppingtown West Park and SunCom Wireless.

Christmas for the Elderly also helps assure that the community's elderly population is cared for during the holidays. The program has been operating for 17 years in Cape Girardeau and serves referrals from the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, Missouri Division of Senior Services and Hoover Eldercare Center.

Gifts like paper goods and toiletry items, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoos, soap, and some pet foods are needed. Stamps or gift certificates at discount stores and grocery stores also would be helpful.

The Southeast Missourian newspaper will collect gifts for Christmas for the Elderly at its Cape Girardeau and Jackson offices.

Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to either Toybox Trust or Christmas for the Elderly at P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126