IN A SEASON OF GIVING, MANY SEEK GENEROSITY

While the weather may not be beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Southeast Missouri, the holiday spirit is here in full force. Without snowflakes and bitter cold, shoppers are setting records this season. The weekend before Thanksgiving at West Park Mall produced retail sales nearly as big as the year before's weekend after Thanksgiving, usually the biggest.

Shoppers appear to be in a good mood. With a strong economy, low unemployment and post-election confidence in the future, consumers are looking for ways to please family members and friends when Christmas Day arrives. From the looks of the early shopping season, there should be smiles all around.

In spite of all the holiday enthusiasm and the robust economy, there are many folks in the area who have less bright prospects for good cheer. There are children in some families who can't afford holiday expenses, in many cases due to circumstances beyond their control. And there are elderly folks who are alone and in need at this giving time of year.

Fortunately, those who have needs are far outnumbered by those who have the ability and desire to help. Two special programs seek to match the needy with those who want to share their holiday spirit.

Toybox is marking its 20th year of providing gifts for youngsters at Christmas. It is a joint project of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian with the important support of the Salvation Army, which takes applications and requests for assistance. Each day the Southeast Missourian is publishing the wish lists of children, and readers may respond in several ways.

New, unwrapped toys may be delivered to the newspaper at 301 Broadway or to Toybox collection spots at 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 also may be mailed to Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0004.

Christmas for the Elderly, in its 10th year, is another program of the Cape Girareau Health Department and the Southeast Missourian. This program seeks to make the holidays brighter for older residents. Each day in the newspaper there are brief descriptions of items needed by elderly residents deserving of special help.

Donations are welcome from individuals, civic groups, churches and businesses. Gifts may be delivered to the newspaper or the county health department at 1121 Linden. Gifts or donations also may be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0699. For more information call Kim McDowell at 335-6611.

As so many generous readers have in the past, giving to help youngsters and the elderly at this time of the year is an important and worthwhile activity to go along with the many other holiday festivities. The support and contributions are deeply appreciated.