CHRISTMAS FOR ELDERLY, TOYBOX NEED YOUR HELP

This holiday season, time may be working against us. That's why your help will be so much more important.

Thanksgiving Day kicked off the annual Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly campaigns. But due to the lateness of Thanksgiving this year, we have nearly a week less for collections. That will place an extra burden on both crusades.

Time is already growing short. The deadline for Christmas for the Elderly donations is Dec. 13. Just 20 days remain for Toybox donations. Those who give to Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly receive a lot in return. We only wish you could come along when the gifts are delivered to overjoyed senior citizens and delighted children. Their smiles, thanks and even tears are heartwarming.

These are genuine people in need. For many of the children, Toybox will provide the only gifts they will find under the Christmas tree this year. The same holds true for Christmas for the Elderly recipients. Many of these people are without close family or friends. Without this program, their Christmas would be empty of joy.

These people don't ask for luxurious gifts. Warm clothing, fruit baskets, medicine, and food for their only companions, a dog or cat, are familiar requests. These senior citizens live on limited budgets that have often been taxed by medical expenses.

Last year, Christmas gifts were provided for each of the elderly families featured in the newspaper. An additional $8,600 was donated to a trust fund to assist elderly in need throughout the year. The fund has been put to good use, and the balance has dwindled to $100.

Children ask for warm clothing and one or two toys. These kids believe in Santa Claus. Their parents, well versed in financial realities, have only you to believe in. We can't let them down.

Through widespread community support, the reach of Toybox has been heartwarming. Last year, Toybox served about 350 families, representing over 800 children. Community members donated more than $14,000 in cash, 10,000 toys and 5,000 articles of clothing. In today's recessionary climate, parents find they need Toybox all the more to fill Christmas wishes.

Applications are made through the Salvation Army to prevent duplication of services. Toybox serves children in Cape Girardeau up to age 12. We ask that only new toys and clothing be donated. Too often in the past, used trinkets and hand-me-downs are all these children encounter. On Christmas, they deserve something special.

In the coming weeks, you will read about the stories of needy children and senior citizens in the Southeast Missourian. These are real people facing hard times. They need our help.

As the old saying goes, it is better to give than to receive. That is certainly true with Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly. Those who donate have a special hand in spreading Christmas cheer. It feels good to give.