TOYBOX CHILDREN LIKE TOYS BUT PARENTS WISH FOR CLOTHING ALSO

Children's Christmas wish lists include dolls and trucks and balls and books. But parents filling out applications asking Toybox for holiday help are asking for shoes, coats, underwear and socks.

These practical items may not have the same impact on Christmas morning, but parents know how important it is for children to have clothing that fits. A new toy may bring a lot of happiness, but it won't keep them warm this winter.

Toybox would like to give children what they wish for and what they need.

A few toys have begun to arrive, but many more donations are needed to make sure each child on the Toybox list will receive a Christmas gift.

Toybox is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian newspaper as a way to bring a little holiday joy to needy children.

A week remains for Toybox applications to be filled out. Applications are available at the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope, through Friday. The program serves children in Cape Girardeau up to age 12.

Already 156 families have asked for help. That number will likely double before the end of the week.

Toybox gifts will be delivered by a team of Jaycees Santas on Dec. 19.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys are requested. 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.