THINK OF THE CHILDREN THIS WEEKEND

A lot of time during the week -- perhaps more so during the Christmas season -- people have time for little else than work, dinner and time with the family.

But on the weekend, families have both the time and the mind set to brave the malls and area department stores on a quest for a gift for that "special someone" in their lives.

So while you and yours are out shopping this weekend, Toybox organizers urge you to remember those who cannot afford to mill about the malls or dash through department stores this holiday season.

Scott McClanahan, co-chairman of Toybox for the Cape Girardeau Jaycees, said about 150 of the 400-some-odd Toybox applications have been filled, and donated toys are in short supply.

"We need just about anything for girls," McClanahan said. "Barbie dolls, baby dolls, doll clothes, makeup sets, stuffed animals, games -- anything a little girl would like for Christmas."

Boys' toys such as trucks, tracktors and toy cars, as well as games and action figures, are also in short supply, McClanahan said.

McClanahan urges people to shop this weekend with Toybox in mind, because it is the donations from caring people that make the event at all possible.

Since every child will receive a sock-cap and gloves with their toys from the Toybox Santas, donations of both would be greatly appreciated. No other clothing will be accepted or distributed by Toybox this year.

If you find that you do not have time to shop for a special gift for a child this year, monetary donations can be mailed to Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0004.

Jaycees members shop almost nightly for gifts requested by parents on Toybox applications.

Applications are being accepted at the Salvation Army Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-noon and from 2-4 p.m. through Wednesday.

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

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.

Gifts will be delivered Dec. 21 by Santa Claus and a team of elves from the Jaycees.

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