TOYBOX SUCCEEDS WITH HELP FROM THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY

Generosity from community groups helps assure that area children have enough toys and gifts at Christmastime.

Toybox is a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian. It provides toys, games and other presents to children of needy families who might not otherwise have Christmas gifts.

Although it is primarily a Jaycees project, other groups donate money and toys to the program.

"Even those who aren't in the club donate their time," said Darrell Koller, Jaycees Toybox chairman.

Members of the Craftsman Independent Union donate money each year to be used by Toybox. The group designates a portion of their funds for helping Toybox and others in need during the holiday season.

Groups of schoolchildren, civic clubs, church organizations and others also collect toys that are donated to Toybox.

Nearly 450 families received gifts last year from Toybox. Jaycees Santas will deliver the toys Dec. 21. Many more are needed.

New, unwrapped toys can be delivered to the Southeast Missourian offices in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, AAA Travel Agency, First National Bank, Mercantile Bank, NationsBank, Sander's True Value, Bank of Missouri, Southwestern Bell Wireless, Union Planters Bank, Mr. K's, the JCPenney Court at West Park Mall and Commerce Bank.

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