TOYBOX IN DIRE NEED OF GIFTS

Organizers for Toybox have issued an urgent plea for toys. The final tally of applications revealed 70 families more than expected and volunteers have exhausted the supply of toys already given.

"In the past the community has always responded when we have explained the need," said Scott McClanahan, Toybox chairman for the Cape Girardeau Jaycees. "Toys are desperately needed Friday, Saturday and Sunday."

The gifts are scheduled to be delivered to needy Cape Girardeau youngsters on Tuesday. Toys will be collected through the delivery time. McClanahan said a team of volunteers is ready to work around the clock to make sure every child on the list receives a Christmas toy. They need donations of toys or money.

"We'll be there working all the time this weekend," said McClanahan. "We just need more toys."

"It's a desperate time," agreed Kim McDowell, Toybox coordinator with the Southeast Missourian. "The final tally shows 470 families; we were anticipating around 400."

McClanahan said the applications are up about 15 percent this year from last year when 413 families were served.

"I'd say a lot of the increase is due to relocation of families from the summer flooding and generally the bad time this year for people who live along the river areas," he said.

Throughout the campaign, gifts for the youngest children, those 3 and under, have been scarce. Toys for these children are needed, along with gifts for all age groups.

McDowell recommended Stuffed Barneys and teddy bears, See and Says and educational toys.

All the drop-off points will remain active through Thursday afternoon.

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.

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