Three siblings need presents; woman needs vacuum, VCR

Toybox

Melanie, a single mother of five, has not applied for disability because she won't give up the hope that someday she'll be able to return to work. Two of her children are ineligible for Toybox, but her other children need presents for Christmas. She suggested rattles, an activity center or a walker for 4-month-old Tameka. Three-year-old Jamal loves Hot Wheels cars, talking books and bath toys. He'd also like a basketball or football from Santa. Roller blades or skates in a size 10 men's would make 11-year-old Andrea's Christmas a happy one. She also would love board games, a CD player or PlayStation 2 games.

Christmas for the Elderly

Ms. S lives alone in a small apartment. She has high blood pressure and other health problems. A VCR would help her to enjoy tapes she could borrow from the library when the TV shows reruns. Another gadget she's been doing without is a vacuum cleaner. Keeping her home neat and tidy is important and without a vaccum cleaning gets a little difficult. Ms. S could also use sweat pants in size extra-large; blue and red are her favorite colors. She's a size 16 in tops and likes any color, and a size large in house shoes.

Donations can be dropped off at the Southeast Missourian offices. Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.