TOYBOX GIFTS BRING JOY TO KIDS

Patrick Varner, 5, had to check with his mother before he could assure Santa Claus he had been a good boy all year.

So while Santa pulled a Christmas Express train set from his bag of toys, Patrick covered his eyes and peeked through his fingers, awaiting his surprise.

"Did you get my note?" he asked.

"Sure I got it," Santa replied as he pulled the train from the sack.

Patrick and many other children across town were excited when Santa knocked on the door to deliver their Christmas gifts Thursday. The Santas brought joy to more than 800 Cape Girardeau children when they delivered all the toys people donated through Toybox this year.

Toybox is a joint project of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian. It provides toys to children whose families may not be able to afford gifts otherwise.

"The look on his eyes is what it's all about," said Bob Neff, after leaving the Varner house. Neff was one of 16 people who portrayed Santa during the evening.

Raven Payne, 3, was surprised to open her front door and see Santa standing on the porch. "I didn't think he would come," she said.

Her sisters and brothers were also anxious about Santa's visit.

"They have been waiting for Santa all night," said their mother, Queen.

Marcus, 1, didn't want to come near the man in red. He hid behind his mother while Santa brought the gifts to the door.

In all, about 70 elves, drivers and Santas delivered the toys to children ranging in age from 1 to 12.

The Santas, many from civic groups and clubs in the city, gathered at the Jaycees North Pole before heading out for deliveries.

"Remember to make them feel good," Jaycees Toybox chairman Scott McClanahan told the group. "We have lots of toys because the community has been good to us."

Before leaving, many of the Santas practiced their "Ho Ho Ho" belly laughs one last time.

Neff has portrayed Santa for about six of the past seven years. "This is one of the most humbling experiences I've ever had," he said. "You see the kids eyes light up. A lot of times this is all they will have for Christmas."

In one house a little girl told Santa that there were other gifts under the tree this year. In the past Toybox Santas brought the only gifts the family received.

"You're really lucky," Neff told her.

Many of the children truly were lucky this year: Jaycees Santas were able to fill every request because of the thousands of toys donated to Toybox.

"This has been one of our best years because the community has come through with some wonderful toys," McClanahan said.

Beth Pry, a new Jaycees member, joined the group so she could be involved in Toybox.

"I just want to see a lot of kids who are extremely excited and happy to see Santa," she said.

Cash contributions can still be mailed to Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004. They will be used for next year's Toybox drive.