THE PUBLIC MIND: JAYCEES GIVE THANKS FOR SUCCESSFUL TOYBOX CAMPAIGN

Dear Mr. Rust:

On behalf of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees, we want to express our gratitude to the Southeast Missourian and the thousands of generous people from the Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois area who opened up their hearts to make Operation Toybox a tremendous success.

Approximately 350 families representing over 800 children requested assistance this year. Through the overwhelming cash and toy donations, over 10,000 toys and 5,000 clothing items were provided. The Jaycees appreciate the efforts of the Southeast Missourian staff in serving as the main collection point for donations. We especially want to thank Kim McDowell for her devotion to Operation Toybox. Kim was responsible for coordinating contributions by schools and community groups and Southeast Missourian liaison with the Jaycees. Peggy Scott is to be commended for her daily Toybox articles and staying abreast of the project's progress.

Operation Toybox continues to be successful year after year, due to the involvement of the entire community. Everyone helps to make Toybox successful, whether it is a child donating a toy or a check presented by a business. The delight on a child's face upon Santa's arrival makes the whole project worth the time and effort.

There are so many people who make contributions to this project, that it would be impossible to thank each and everyone. There are some people we would like to thank publicly for their special efforts for Toybox. First, we would like to thank Boatmen's Bank, Capital Bank, Gulliver's Travel, Perry Travel, West Park Mall and Venture for serving as collection points. A special thanks to K-Mart, JCPenney, Dollar General Stores and Younghouse Distributing for their assistance to our shoppers. A special thanks, also, goes to Kathy Brennan and the employees of Wal-Mart who went out of their way to make sure this project was a success.

The local school children again came through with mittens, gloves and hats that were greatly needed. Thank you to Gene Rhodes for providing the building used for Toybox distribution.

Finally, we would like to thank our fellow Jaycees who spent hundreds of hours shopping, sorting, routing and delivering the toys and clothing.

We could go and on. As you see, this project was clearly a community wide effort. Hundreds of people made cash donations, businesses and individuals donated thousands of toys. Mr. Howard Kinder again successfully routed our Jaycee's Santa routes. Local businesses donated vans for delivery of Toybox gifts. We would also like to thank our families and employers who supported us during this project. If we have missed anyone, we apologize, but you know you made a contribution and should feel good for doing so. The Cape Girardeau Jaycees are extremely proud of this project and proud to work with the Southeast Missourian.

On behalf of the Cape Jaycees, Thank You Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area for your generosity. We hope 1991 will be a joyous and prosperous year for all. We look forward to your help for Toybox 1991.

Sincerely yours,

LaRae Moore, Chairman

Pat Anderson

Elaine Lasher, Co-Chairman

1990 Toybox