TOYBOX, CHRISTMAS FOR THE ELDERLY: EDUCATIONAL, DEVELOPMENTAL TOYS ON LISTS

Educational and developmental toys are needed just as much for infants and toddlers as they are for older children.

Many parents are requesting toys for children up 4 years of age this year. Those children need toys that light up or make sounds to help develop motor skills and the senses of sight and hearing.

Developmental toys also help develop memory, perception, and other learned skills.

One mother of two toddlers would like riding toys, dolls and musical toys for her daughters. Another mom with a son and daughter in this age group requested dolls, learning games, books and toys that make noise.

Building blocks, whether of the soft or Lego variety, were popular requests this year. And many parents requested anything that featured Barney, Sesame Street or Disney characters.

Toybox, in its 22nd year, is co-sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian. The program works to provide Christmas presents to more than 1,200 children each year.

All donations will be used to buy gifts for children through the age of 12 who otherwise might not receive Christmas gifts.

Parents wishing to apply should take proof of residency and a Social Security card for each person who lives at the address to the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope, by Dec. 6.

New, unwrapped toys and gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian office or area locations. Drop off points are at West Park Mall, Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems, Boatmen's Bank, Gulliver's Travel Agency, Mercantile Bank, Union Planters Bank, The First National Bank, Commerce Bank and Sanders True Value Hardware.

Gifts will be delivered by a team of Jaycee Santas on Dec. 19.

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