SOME YULETIDE `CHEER': GROUPS HELP WITH EFFORT

The soccer and wrestling cheerleaders at Cape Girardeau Central High School spent prize money they won to help Toybox.

The cheerleaders won $200 in the recent school spirit parade. They used the money to buy a huge box of toys, some warm hats and gloves. The teenagers said they had a lot of fun picking out the toys. The children who will receive these gifts Thursday will also get a lot of joy from the toys.

Residents at the Cape Girardeau County Veterans Home have been busy making wooden toys for Toybox. The group made 12 rocking horses, 13 highchairs, six cradles and a rocking chair. Some young children will be delighted by these heirloom gifts.

The veterans and cheerleaders are among hundreds of groups and individuals who have taken time to make sure Christmas will be special for needy children in Cape Girardeau.

The toys will be delivered by a team of Jaycee Santas and elves on Thursday.

Toybox is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian newspaper.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys may still be given and will still be used. Also, donations of new coats, mittens, hats and warm clothes are needed.

Gifts may be dropped off at the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, West Park Mall, Capital Bank, AmeriFirst Bank, Farm and Home Savings Association, Gulliver's Travel Agency and Perry Travel Center.

Cash gifts may be sent to Toybox, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

For more information, call Kim McDowell at 335-6611.