Toybox out of cash with half of bags left to fill

~ Donations need to be received by Friday so gifts can be packed for delivery on Dec. 20.

Only half of the 420 Toybox bags are filled and funds for the holiday charity have run out, according to the Cape Girardeau Jaycees. At this time last year, more than 315 bags were filled.

"I am sure a lot of money went to other needs and so I think people just aren't giving to organizations they are usually giving to because they gave so much to that need during that time," said Jaycees secretary Tracy Haggerty.

About 50 bags have been filled with donations that came in after the deadline for Christmas 2004.

"It's always nice to have some to store so we can carry them over and have something to start with next year, but with the donations as low as they have been this year we may not have that luxury," Haggerty said.

Right now Toybox needs toys for children ages birth to 2 years old and children between 9 and 12 years old. Toybox has had to spend more than $15,000 on toys for those two groups, depleting the cash donation fund. Donations for other age groups have been in the form of toys.

For children 2 and under Fisher Price or Little People toys would be perfect, Haggerty said, but rattles, blocks and See 'n' Says would work just as well.

Boy between 9 and 12 have requested video games, sports balls and CD players. Girls have requested jewelry, makeup and other preteen items.

Donations need to be received by Friday so Toybox volunteers can pack the rest of the bags over the weekend for delivery on Dec. 20.

Toy donations can be dropped off at the Southeast Missourian offices, AAA Travel, Alliance Bank, Bank of America, Capaha Bank, Commerce Bank, Dollar Tree, Osage Community Center, Rental Land, Montgomery Bank, Westfield Shoppingtown, Regions Bank, US Bank, Wehrenberg Theaters, First Missouri State Bank, Hastings, Paula Huggings Accounting, First State Community Bank, Health South, Cape Girardeau Eagle, Wal-Mart, Kelly Services and Healthpoint Plaza. Cash donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.

ameyer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127