TOYBOX DONATIONS PICK UP

Much to the delight of Jackie Ahrens, area businesses have given Toybox a much-needed boost.

"Toys R Us has donated and K-Mart is giving us a real nice discount this year," said Ahrens, co-chairman of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees. "Super D has ordered some toys for us, and the Dollar General Store has held back some toys to help out the project. The stores have been very supportive this year."

With only six days left until the delivery of toys to needy children, the Jaycees and Southeast Missourian Toybox coordinator Kim McDowell are beginning to shift into a high gear.

"This is the big week as far as getting everything together, bagged and routed for delivery," Ahrens said. "I would say that anybody thinking about doing something for Toybox should bring in something in the next few days. After this weekend, it will probably be too late."

Applications have nearly reached last year's total of 400. "We had 398, which is pretty high when you consider that last year a lot of flood victims applied," Ahrens said. "We've got all the Jaycee volunteers we need. Now all we have to get is enough toys for all the kids."

Ahrens said the Toybox project typically gets a boost at the end of the final week. "It usually starts out slow and then gathers momentum toward the end," she said.

Students and faculty at the Louis J. Schultz middle school will hold their drive for Toybox today. The school is expected to donate $300 to $350 this year.

"All of the schools that participate really help us out a lot," Ahrens said. "We'll try to get everything together in the next couple of days and then just watch and wait until the last day before delivery."

New, unwrapped toys may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, or to the following Toybox collection sites: West Park Mall, Boatmen's Bank, Capital Bank, Perry Travel Center, Gulliver's Travel Agency, AmeriFirst Bank, Commerce Bank, Roosevelt Bank and Mercantile Bank.

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