Opportunities to help children, elderly at Christmas

'Tis the season for shopping and gift-giving. But while you buys gifts for friends a families, we hope you consider purchasing some for those in need as well.

Each year the Southeast Missourian and the Jaycees team up with Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly. Toybox provides toys for children and Christmas for the Elderly provides assistance to seniors who struggle to make ends meet. A story has appeared in the Southeast Missourian about the programs, and we wrote an editorial recently as well.

The deadline for those seeking support through this program is coming up. For Toybox you can fill out an application at the Salvation Army. The deadline to file is Wednesday. The deadline for Christmas for the Elderly is ___.

If you know of people who need help this Christmas, encourage them to seek these options. The deadline for Salvation Army food baskets and Thanksgiving take out food also is Wednesday. For Toybox and food boxes, applications should bring photo ID, proof of address, children and others in the household. Those seeking a take out meal for thanksgiving can call the Salvation Army.

For those of us who can give, there are many locations in town to donate toys. These are listed in the Southeast Missourian through an ongoing series of advertisements, and you can read the blog by organizer Tracey Haggerty online at semissourian.com. Donations for Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly will be accepted through Dec. 18.

Another popular program this time of year is Operation Christmas Child, a program in which many area churches encourage participation. It's organized by Samaritan's Purse, which is led by evangelical pastor the Rev. Franklin Graham.

A story in Monday's Southeast Missourian explained the program, which sends toys and basic necessities to disadvantaged children abroad. Collection locations for the area: St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 804 N. Cape Rock Drive in Cape Girardeau; Charleston Baptist Association, 4855 Highway 77 in Benton, Missouri; First Baptist Church, 200 S. Walker St. in Cobden, Illinois; and Advance First Baptist Church, 408 N. Oak St. in Advance, Missouri.

You have until Monday to drop off your box of gifts for Operation Christmas Child.

We thank those who give sacrificially at Christmas and throughout the year to help those in need.