VETS DO THEIR SHARE FOR TOYBOX

Bill Walker never sees the emotional reaction from needy Cape Girardeau children who benefit from his craft.

But the Missouri Veterans Home resident is still moved by the fact that the wooden toys he helps make are going toward a good cause. Walker is one of two dozen veterans who help build toys throughout the year.

"We usually come in twice a month to make the toys, but during December we come in once a week to help out Toybox," Walker said. "I don't mind the extra work because I know kids like these things."

Walker pointed to 12 wooden high-chairs that children use for their dolls. Veterans have also fashioned six cradles and nine rocking horses out of wood.

"Most of the toys are sold to generate money for more wood and to provide funds for the veterans who work on them," Ken Lipps, Missouri Veterans volunteer service manager, said. "Once a year, however, they make toys just for Toybox. They all seem to like doing this thing for the project."

Veterans put the finishing touches on the toys that are sent from Fruitland.

"Lester Harris cuts the wood and then sends it to us for sanding and varnishing," Walker said. "We have rocking-horse toys in small, medium and large."

The Missouri Veterans Home has been donating toys to Toybox for the past four years. "After we're done, they load 'em up in a truck and they're headed for kids who will have fun with them," Walker said.

Cape Girardeau Jaycees Santas and elves will deliver the toys Dec. 20 to needy children who live within the city.

New, unwrapped toys may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, or to the following Toybox collection sites: West Park Mall, Boatmen's Bank, Capital Bank, Perry Travel Center, Gulliver's Travel Agency, AmeriFirst Bank, Commerce Bank, Roosevelt Bank and Mercantile Bank.

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