TOYBOX HELPERS PACK UP GIFTS

This is it.

Nearly every gift that could have been named has been named. The personal case histories have been told, and the volunteers have spoken.

Toybox is now in the hands of the people.

Some of the children are sick, either in mind, body or spirit. Others suffer from divorce or desertion, and all of them have parents who cannot provide Christmas presents for them this year.

Today, volunteers will pack what few gifts remain in a nearly-empty warehouse. Bags will be prepared and delivery routes will be discussed.

Unless a large number of gifts come in today, a lot of homes will be left off those routes and a larger number of children will be disappointed when Thursday passes and a Jaycee Santa doesn't stop at their house.

Toybox Christmas is coming, and the goose is getting fat. Please put a donation in the Toybox hat.

Toybox is in its 22nd year and is co-sponsored by the Cape Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian. The program works to provide Christmas presents to over 1,200 children each year.

All donations will be used to buy gifts for children through the age of 12 who otherwise might not receive Christmas gifts. Donations are down this year, while applications are the same or higher than previous years.

New, unwrapped toys and gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian office or area locations. Drop-off points are located at West Park Mall, Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems, Boatmen's Bank, Gulliver's Travel Agency, Mercantile Bank, Union Planters Bank, AAA Travel Agency, The First National Bank, Commerce Bank and Sanders True Value Hardware.

Gifts will be delivered by a team of Jaycee Santas on Thursday.

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