SUPPLY OF TOYS DWINDLES IN TOYBOX EFFORT

With a little more than half the applications for Toybox filled and many still coming in, Jaycees organizers say their supply looks rather small.

Today is the last day the Salvation Army will accept Toybox applications for this year. Applications must submitted from 10 a.m.-noon or from 2-4 p.m. at the Salvation Army building, 701 Good Hope.

Those filling out applications must bring with them identification, proof of current address and Social Security cards for everyone in the family.

Organizers expect about 420 total applications for this year's Toybox, but currently do not have nearly enough toys to fill them.

"We need just about anything for girls -- from the ground up," said Scott McClanahan, co-chairman of the Toybox project for the Cape Girardeau Jaycees. "We need teddy bears, See N' Say toys, Barbie dolls, Barbie clothes, small dolls for small children, beauty sets, hair ribbons and just about anything a girl would like."

To fill orders for boys, the Jaycees find themselves short of toy cars and trucks, action figures, baseball cards, sports equipment and Legos.

"We also need games," said McClanahan. "They are real good gifts for older children, but there are also board games for little kids we could always use.

"Those are the kind of things that are on our bulk-buying list," said McClanahan. "They are standard items that are easy to put in any bag -- things we know kids are going to like."

Toybox is also in desperate need of gloves -- especially for boys.

McClanahan said that caring members of the community donated some toys over the weekend, but not nearly enough.

"This is our big week," said McClanahan. "We're going to try and fill all the orders by Saturday so we can get them ready for delivery on Tuesday."

New, unwrapped toys may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, or to the following Toybox drop-off spots: West Park Mall, Boatmen's Bank, Capital Bank, Perry Travel Center, Gulliver's Travel Agency, AmeriFirst Bank, Commerce Bank, Farm and Home Savings Association and Mercantile Bank.

"It's not tough finding a place to get rid of the stuff after you buy it," said McClanahan. "We'll come and get it, if necessary."

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

Gifts will be delivered Tuesday by Santa Claus and a team of elves from the Jaycees.

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