SIBLINGS WON'T GET PRESENTS UNLESS YOU HELP

Sports games are critical in the life of 6-year-old Blythe, who loves to play soccer.

And he is a big baseball fan, especially of St. Louis Cardinals' home run king Mark McGwire.

"But then who isn't?" his mother asks.

Blythe would really like some sports equipment, like a new soccer ball or a baseball glove and bat for Christmas. He also likes action figures and soldiers.

His sister, Claire, 3, is fond of the Rugrats and pretty things. She likes to dress up and would love some makeup and a doll house. She also likes accessories to wear in her curly hair.

Molly, 23 months, "is absolutely in love with Blue of Blue's Clues," her mother said. She would like stuffed animals and books from Santa.

Without help from Toybox, Blythe, Claire and Molly won't enjoy lots of holiday gifts under their Christmas tree. Like all of the other children of Toybox, they are in need.

Toybox is a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian that helps provide toys for needy families.

Nearly 450 families received gifts last year.

Barbies, dolls, stuffed toys, books, Legos, blocks, educational games and board games for older children are needed to fill every wish list.

The toys will be delivered to Cape Girardeau families Dec. 21 by Jaycees Santas.

New, unwrapped toys can be delivered to the Southeast Missourian office in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, AAA Travel Agency, First National Bank, Mercantile Bank, NationsBank, Sander's True Value, Bank of Missouri, Southwestern Bell Wireless, Union Planters Bank, Mr.K's, the JCPenney Court at West Park Mall and Commerce Bank.

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