Christmas giving

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, local groups are gearing up for the holiday season and how to spread Christmas cheer to those struggling financially. This year the Jaycees and Southeast Missourian are again partnering with Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly.

Toybox helps provide Christmas gifts for children in the city of Cape Girardeau ages 1 to 12. Those interested in benefiting from the program should file an application at the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau by Friday.

Christmas for the Elderly supports local seniors with basic necessities such as toiletries, bedding and clothing, among other items. No outside applications are accepted for Christmas for the Elderly. These come through nominations by the Division of Health and Senior Services.

Drop-off locations for Toybox will be listed next week in the Southeast Missourian. Items and monetary donations for Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly will be accepted at the Southeast Missourian office at 301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, beginning Thursday. Donations may also be mailed to: Cape Jaycees, PO Box 4, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702.

Christmas is the season of giving, and with many families struggling it's important that those who can donate do so. We hope you'll consider dropping off a toy or donation as you prepare for your Christmas shopping.

To learn more about Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly, follow Tracy Haggerty's blog at semissourian.com and in the Southeast Missourian.