WEEK LEFT TO APPLY FOR 1995 TOYBOX DRIVE

There's still a week left to apply for the 1995 Toybox toy drive, sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian.

Applications are coming in a little slower this year than in years past, said Jackie Thieke of the Salvation Army, the agency processing the applications.

"We haven't had too many people coming in," Thieke said. "They need to come in if they want to make sure they get toys."

Parents are urged to come in early to make sure the applications can be processed in time for Christmas.

So far, approximately 200 applications have been received. The toy drive usually benefits 1,000 to 1,200 Cape Girardeau children annually.

Donors can brighten the holidays for children who might otherwise receive no Christmas presents with donations and gifts to Toybox. Dolls, games, sports equipment, bicycles, art supplies and toys have all been requested.

For their children to receive toys, parents must have applications in to the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope, by Friday, Dec. 8. Late applications will not be accepted. All applications must include children's Social Security numbers.

Children ages 12 and under who live within the city of Cape Girardeau are eligible to receive toys through Toybox. The Salvation Army is having a separate toy drive for children who live outside the city.

Jaycees Santas and elves will deliver toys to children's homes on Dec. 21 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys may be dropped off at Boatmen's Bank, Capital Bank, Coldwell Banker, Gulliver's Travels, Commerce Bank, Mercantile Bank, First National Bank, Chuck E. Cheese's, West Park Mall or the Southeast Missourian.

Gifts and donations may also be mailed to the Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0004.