Recently arrived family lacks necessities

Doug, Joseph and Kathy are siblings who just moved here without any belongings. Their dad, Robbie, is looking for a job but finding it difficult to find one without a high school diploma. Their mom stays at home to care for Doug, 11, who is disabled. Without a phone, Robbie came down to the Southeast Missourian office to fill out an application and be interviewed since he could not otherwise be reached. He cares a lot about his children and fears they will not have a Christmas without your help.

Robbie said his oldest son, Joseph, 13, came to him to discuss his feelings about gifts at Christmas and almost brought his dad to tears. Joseph wanted to make it clear to his dad that if Christmas gifts were possible to not worry about him but his younger brother and sister instead.

The children all need clothing and shoes. Doug and Joseph both wear boys husky size 18 and Kathy, age 9, is a girls large. The boys wear a size 11 shoe.

Since they have nothing, a generous reader can select just about anything to make this family's Christmas happen. At this point, putting food on the table is a big accomplishment.

Tips for personalizing your shopping list if you wish to help this family out include gospel music CDs or a PlayStation for Joseph. These gifts could also be shared with his siblings.

Kathy, a typical girl, loves baby dolls, dress up or make-up kits. With two brothers, selecting from the wide variety of girl's toys would be a good choice for anyone wishing to contribute.

Doug loves Elmo or anything from Sesame Street. One of his disabilities includes ADHD. Toys that play music are a suggestion for helping to ease Doug's symptoms.

Won't you consider purchasing a new, unwrapped toy, clothing or a cash contribution to help this family get started in a new home again?

For those interested in contributing to the Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly campaigns, new toys and gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian office or area locations. Cash contributions are also welcome. All contributions are tax-deductible and may be mailed separately to Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004, or Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.