TOYBOX GIVES CHEER TO AILING CHILDREN

In Charles Dickens' book "A Christmas Carol," Bob Cratchet could afford little else for his family at Christmas but to put food on the table. Cratchet's son, Tiny Tim, was ill and in need of a costly operation.

Although Dickens' book was fiction, the situation in which the Cratchets found themselves is all too often a reality.

Sheila and Dave have three children. Their oldest son, Dustin, has been diagnosed with early childhood autism. His brother Steven is only 2 months old.

Dustin wants trucks and cars for Christmas; his 2-year-old sister Theresa wants dolls and dishes; Steven needs infant toys.

Alma has three children -- Joshua, Jessica and Azizi. In her application to Toybox, she said little Jessica is always sick, "but she is a happy girl."

Alma's boys would like games and cars for Christmas; Jessica would like to have a doll.

Cathy has two children -- Ashley and Kyle. For Christmas, Ashley would like a Walkman radio or a Colorblaster set -- things she can enjoy without moving around a lot. "Ashley has ulcers," her mother said. "She would greatly appreciate a Colorblaster." Kyle has asked Santa for a rocking horse and a set of Legos.

In another household, 7-year-old Billie Jean has Down syndrome. For Christmas, Billie Jean would like baby dolls or "anything musical," her parents said.

Toybox, a joint project between the Southeast Missourian and the Cape Girardeau Jaycees, hopes to help families like Billie Jean's by bringing a little bit of happiness into their lives at Christmas.

Applications are being accepted at the Salvation Army Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-noon and from 2-4 p.m. through Dec. 15.

Those filling out applications must bring with them identification, proof of current address, and Social Security cards for everyone in the family.

By the deadline, Toybox organizers expect to have received nearly 1,000 applications from area families, making donations from caring citizens so necessary.

New, unwrapped toys may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, or to the following Toybox drop-off spots: West Park Mall, Boatmen's Bank, Capital Bank, Perry Travel Center, Gulliver's Travel Agency, AmeriFirst Bank, Commerce Bank, Farm and Home Savings Association and Mercantile Bank.

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

Gifts will be delivered Dec. 21 by Santa Claus and a team of elves from the Jaycees.

For more information, call Kim McDowell at 335-6611.