Toybox 100 bags short

Hot rods and Winnie the Pooh sit upon bare tables this year at the Toybox warehouse. Nearby, about 300 plastic bags are loaded with stuffed animals, toy trucks and dolls.

However, this year's supply is about 100 bags short, meaning that about 300 children still need gifts, said Lydia Dewees, president of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees.

This year, 416 families, with about 1,200 children combined, registered for presents from Toybox, the annual charity sponsored by the Jaycees.

The age groups most needed are from 0 to 2 years old and 9 to 12 years old. Dewees said sponsors hope to receive all toys by Sunday at the latest, though toy donations will be accepted until Tuesday.

Tuesday is the day that sponsors will deliver toys to families.

Donations can be dropped off at the Southeast Missourian offices and at Healthpoint Plaza at 2126 Independence St. Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.