LETTERS: TOYBOX NEEDS YOUR HELP

To the editor:

Christmas is the most special time of year. When I think back to when I was a little boy, I was truly blessed. Now with my own little boy, the Christmas spirit is alive and well. Justin's excitement about the ho-ho lights is something to see. Our neighbor is in the spirit with his own lights, and Justin couldn't be more excited. (My wife says between me and my neighbor, Jim, our street is going to look like "Christmas Vacation.") Seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child makes one realize what a fantasy this time of year is.

I joined the Cape Jaycees in 1988. Since that time I have held many offices including president, traveled at the state and national level and seen more projects than I can count. Each year since I joined, I have delivered for Toybox. There is not a more rewarding experience than being Santa. The looks of amazement on the faces are absolutely priceless. The opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much is humbling.

This is where the people of the Cape area come in. Consistently over the last several years, the outpouring of support has been phenomenal. When I started delivering toys, we had about 330 families that were being helped. Last year there were about 450. As of this writing over 200 applications have been picked up by the Missourian from the Salvation Army. There are another 66 waiting to be picked up. If that trend continues, over 400 families in Cape will need help in making their children's Christmas fantasy come true. We need your support, and we need it now. Don't put off writing that check till tomorrow. We need it today. The applications have to be filled in time for delivery Dec. 19. If you'd like, go buy a new, unwrapped toy and drop it off at one of the fine businesses in Cape that are collection points.

Lastly, when I was president of the Jaycees, the Toybox Trust was formed. Your contribution is completely tax deductible. All donations are used to buy toys. The other costs of Toybox are covered by the Cape Jaycees. Make the holiday season bright for a child. Give to Toybox.

MATTHEW HOPKINS

Cape Girardeau