TOYBOX, ELDERLY DRIVES NEED YOUR HELP; CHILDREN OF SINGLE PARENTS LOOK TO TOYBOX FOR HOLIDAYS

Tomi's parents recently separated, so the holidays will be difficult for the 11-year-old girl.

She would like country music, art supplies and stuffed animals for Christmas.

Providing the essentials is tough for 2-year-old Daniel's mother. She is single and doesn't get any child support from her children's father.

She also has an 8-year-old. The children aren't picky but would like to have something for Christmas. Any toy would suffice for a child who might otherwise get nothing.

Toybox is a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian. It provides Christmas gifts to needy children ages 1 through 12.

Board games, toy soldiers, remote-control cars, blocks, Legos, Play Dough, Barbies, dolls and stuffed animals are needed to help fill the wish lists of area children. Educational toys and games for younger children are also needed.

Nearly 450 families received gifts last year through Toybox. Jaycees Santas will deliver the toys Dec. 21.

New, unwrapped toys can be delivered to the Southeast Missourian offices in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, AAA Travel Agency, First National Bank, Mercantile Bank, NationsBank, Sander's True Value, Bank of Missouri, Southwestern Bell Wireless, Union Planters Bank, Mr. K's, the JCPenney Court at West Park Mall and Commerce Bank.

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