Single parent with five children out of job; senior couple needs only a few things

Mom with five children needs your help

This single-parent family moved from Arkansas several years ago to help out an older parent. Mom had been working until late October when her employment ended. She has enough money saved to pay for the rent, utilities and food for a few months, but she can't afford to buy toys for the children. This is the first time she has needed Toybox help. The children love music -- a CD player would be great. They also love cars, trucks, Ball Pit, even a bike that they can share would be appreciated. Bring new toys to any of the Toybox locations, including the Southeast Missourian, or make a monetary donation to Toybox, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, M0. 63702. Other popular requests include board games, race cars, trucks, dolls, learning toys, puzzles, books, balls, drawing materials, and items with a Hannah Montana, Spider-Man, Dora the Explorer, Indiana Jones or "High School Musical" theme.

Mr. and Mrs. Q love their cats

This couple, age 74 and 76, live on a limited income. She is in a wheelchair and he has dietary restrictions. They have simple requests, dry cat food for their beloved, three cats, house socks that have grippers (size 9) and some body wash and lotion for her, and a Wal-Mart card that would help with their Christmas dinner and medicines for him. This would make their Christmas truly bright! You can help Mr. and Mrs. Q and other elderly people in our area, by buying personal grooming items, cleaning supplies and grocery gift cards. Items can be delivered to the Southeast Missourian, or make a monetary donation to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702. All elderly served are living independently on limited incomes with few, if any, family members.