Wishes to come true for Toybox children

Twenty-one Santas are practicing their "Ho-Ho-Ho" belly laughs and explanations for why Rudolph and the reindeer were left behind so they'll be prepared for the annual Toybox delivery tonight.

Children ask amazing questions of Santa when he arrives at their homes bearing gifts, as he'll do for the 513 families who asked for assistance this holiday.

The Santas will dress in red and white suits, and beards if they don't already have one, so they can deliver the Christmas gifts to needy children. Vans are used instead of Santa's usual sleigh and reindeer.

Volunteers with the Cape Girardeau Jaycees will make the deliveries from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Toybox is a program of the Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian that provides gifts to children from infants up to age 12.

Toys that are received today will still be used for the deliveries. Jaycees always bring extra gifts to the children so they can have at least one present from Santa when he arrives.

Drop-off locations for new, unused toys are Southeast Missourian offices, AAA Travel Agency, First National Bank, Firstar Bank, Check Please, Bank of America, Sanders True Value, Bank of Missouri, Capaha Bank, Union Planters Bank, Alliance Bank, Wehrenberg Theatres, Commerce Bank at the Cape LaCroix Road location only, Westfield Shoppingtown West Park and SunCom Wireless.

Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.