Toybox program short of funds for holiday gifts

The balance is smaller, but the Toybox program still needs $30,000 to complete its mission of giving needy children in Cape Girardeau holiday gifts.

So far, between $5,000 and $6,000 has come in as cash donations to the Toybox program, said Mike Seabaugh, a Jaycees member.

Toybox is a joint program of the Southeast Missourian and the Cape Girardeau Jaycees.

Several drop-off locations also had toys donated recently so there are some items coming in, but the group still has at least half as many bags left to fill as it has full.

Seabaugh hopes the donations will pick up now that the holiday is closer. But Toybox will be delivered the week before Christmas, so donations are still needed -- and in a hurry.

In order for all the requests and bags to be filled, the Jaycees need to have the toys and gifts by Friday so that they can be sorted by age and divided among the children.

Each year, there are as many as 500 families who receive gifts from Toybox. And the club donates gifts to hospitalized children and those living at the Safe House for Women.

Each child receives about $50 in gifts and there are a minimum of 1,000 children who benefit from the program.

To make a donation, drop off new toys at the Southeast Missourian offices. Cash donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.