Toybox, Christmas for the Elderly in need of financial help

Without cash contributions from the community or donations of toys, Christmas will not be a happy memory for some area children. Contributions to Toybox this year are far behind the donations made in past years.

The names of this family have been changed to protect their anonymity.

Cammie, a single mother of two, struggles daily to make a living for her 9-year-old girl, Connie, and 2- year-old boy, Charles. She works the night shift as a CNA helping the mentally ill in their homes. Her rent payment of $410 per month doesn't include utilities. After paying the bills, she doesn't have much left over for Christmas.

Charles sleeps with his mother and is just getting too big for that. He never had a crib because it was an expense this single mother couldn't afford. Cammie is thankful she is healthy and that her children are as well. She could just use a little help this Christmas.

Connie would love Moonboots (a jumping toy), a doll and a play laptop computer. For Charles, Cammie is asking for a toddler bed with a comforter to keep him warm. His favorite character in the world -- superhero Spiderman -- would make the transition from sleeping with his mom to sleeping in his own bed a smoother one.

Learning toys for children 2 and up would surely make Charles' visit from Santa more magical.

Please open your heart and remember this family and others at Christmas. You may bring your unwrapped toys to the Southeast Missourian at 301 Broadway or area locations. Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to Toybox Trust, PO Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.

cpagano@semissourian

335-6611 ext. 133