TOYBOX DONATIONS NEEDED TO FILL MANY REQUESTS

There are only 14 days left until the Jaycee Santas deliver toys to Cape Girardeau children.

But Santa's bags aren't nearly full of toys and games. Jaycee Santas will deliver toys Dec. 18.

"We don't have enough toys to fill all the requests," said Scott McClanahan, Toybox chairman for the Cape Girardeau Jaycees.

Toybox is a joint project of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian.

Just like Santa's elves make every child's Christmas toys, Jaycee members shop for toys and games for needy children in Cape Girardeau.

"It's odd to explain how we pull it off," McClanahan said. "It's a little like the North Pole."

The program has been a huge success. About 1,200 children received toys and gifts from Toybox last year. And at least that many applications are expected this year.

Today is the last day to apply for Toybox. Children ages 1 to 12 can receive toys and gifts through the program.

Applications will be taken at the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope, from 10 a.m. until noon and from 2-4 p.m. today. Parents must bring proof of residency and a Social Security card for each child.

"We're not asking for the world, we just need items that people can donate and feel good about," McClanahan said.

Some of the harder age groups to find toys for are older girls and boys, ages 9 to 12 and children under age 3.

Toys most in demand are Tickle Me Elmo and Sesame Street dolls, Gigi pets, small electronic games, cassette tape players and Walkman radios, and board games.

Other gift suggestions include:

-- basketballs, footballs and soccer balls;

-- Barbie and accessories;

-- boxed sets of Matchbox cars and Legos;

-- Dolls, particularly Cabbage Patch dolls; and

-- Books, games and educational toys.

"People are not thinking about Christmas at the first of December, but we need to shop early, especially for the toys that are requested," McClanahan said.

New, unwrapped toys can be delivered to the Southeast Missourian office, 301 Broadway or at AAA Travel Agency, First National Bank, NationsBank, Southwestern Bell Wireless, Union Planters Bank, Venture Court at West Park Mall, Commerce Bank, Bank of Missouri and Sander's True Value Hardware at Town Plaza Shopping Center.

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