Single moms could use help for holiday

Donations for Toybox can be dropped off at the Southeast Missourian office at 301 Broadway and should include the name of their recipient. Those who wish to donate cash or a check should make it payable to Toybox, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702.

Single mom cares for her child and her father

In addition to her 4-year-old son, Josh, Marion cares for her father, who lives with them. He is blind in one eye and has a cataract in the other.

Marion is thankful she's receiving food stamps, making Christmas dinner possible.

A tree and presents are traditions that the family will have to give up this year.

Marion wanted to make an appeal for toys through Toybox so Josh would have some presents to open.

If things work out, mom and grandpa will be able to purchase a gift or two, but Marion is unsure if that will be possible.

Marion, who does not work, receives $80 of child support on an irregular basis.

What really set them back is an overdue water bill. When they were able to pay the bill, Marion and her dad faced a $300 reconnection fee. This large bill set them back again.

Marion's extended family deals with similar financial problems and are unable to help.

She hopes Toybox will be able to provide Josh with blocks, books, Tickle Me Elmo, Pizza Elmo and maybe even a bicycle.

Victim of domestic violence needs help

Relocated from Michigan, Andrea is about to go back to the father of her children despite the violence she endured. The family had to flee from their violent situation with only the clothes on their backs.

Andrea and her four children relocated to the area because her brother agreed to put them up in his two-bedroom apartment temporarily.

Andrea has applied for help to agencies but has found she's too old or has to be on a waiting list because they've reached their capacity.

Mark, 8, is a size 10; Tom, 6, is a size 6; Natalie, 4, is a size 4; Donny, 1, is a size 18 months. All of them need winter coats and other clothes.

Toy suggestions include supplies for drawing and coloring, Play-Doh, baby toys, Bratz dolls, Spider-Man toys or related items.