THE PUBLIC MIND: JAYCEES THANK THOSE WHO HELPED ENSURE SUCCES FOR TOYBOX

Dear Editor:

Another year has passed and with the end of the Christmas season, we would like to thank the individuals and businesses involved with Operation Toybox. The past year was an interesting one for this project. With a shortened Christmas season and an economy in recession, the Jaycees were frankly quite worried about the course of Toybox as we began in November. Once again, however, the people of Cape Girardeau responded with outstanding charity, and we were able to brighten the holidays for the under privileged children of the community.

A number of individuals stand out during the progress of Operation Toybox for their contributions to the success of this undertaking. Mayor Gene Rhodes once again provided us with a terrific location for Toybox headquarters, as he has done for the past three years. Ford Groves, Broadway Medical, Gulliver's Travel Service, Rental Land, Bizzy Bee Janitorial Supply, and Caldwell Signs were all able to loan us their vans as "Santa sleighs." Domino's Pizza and Kohlfeld Distributing each contributed refreshments for hungry and grateful Santas after delivery night.

The Cape Girardeau K-Mart is to be singled out for its tremendous donation to Toybox and its employees' helpfulness as we made occasional "raids" on their toy department. Cape Girardeau's fantastic Wal-Mart also made a large donation and its staff was their usual helpful, friendly self while we shopped at their store. Our gratitude also goes to the area Dollar General Stores for their help in getting coats and clothing to us on time.

Kim McDowell of the Southeast Missourian was once again the best project coordinator that we could ask for and we are certainly grateful to have her assistance every year. Peggy Scott and Julie Bollman should also be recognized for their great articles concerning Toybox progress. Each year for the past several, Howard Kinder has been instrumental in routing and sorting each application so that delivery night goes as smoothly as possible. Only these people who have used his lists to deliver toys can know how valuable his help is to this project.

We also want to thank each member of the Cape Girardeau Junior Chamber of Commerce who assisted us. Operation Toybox has become as much of a Christmas tradition for Jaycees as a Christmas tree and without their help, we simply would not have been able to finish on time. The Toybox support team this year consisted of Treasurer Kathy Easley and Toy Pickup Chairman Dean Reeves.

Lastly, our heartfelt thanks to the people and businesses of Cape Girardeau who spent countless hours shopping for toys to donate. Each time we do this project, we can only sit in wonder at the overwhelming generosity of Cape Girardeau and its surrounding areas. You are truly a "point of light" in America.

Sincerely,

Pat Anderson,

Operation Toybox chairman

Kevin S. Lasher,

Operation Toybox co-chairman