TOYBOX CELEBRATES THE TRUE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

With toys and clothing slung over his back, Santa and his elves went to work in Cape Girardeau last night. Over 1,000 Toybox children learned that being poor doesn't mean Santa won't stop at their door. The 18th annual Toybox drive was a heartwarming triumph.

We only wish you could have been there - to see firsthand the difference you made in these children's lives. The exclamations of appreciation, squeals of delight, and broad smiles will be hard to forget. Toybox truly embodies the spirit of Christmas.

We think of poverty as being somewhere else - mostly in large cities. But the volunteers delivering gifts received an eye-opening experience. They found many of these families have little in the way of material things. Their living conditions are less than ideal. There is not enough money for the basics - such as food or utilities - much less any frills.

The reasons these families turned to Toybox are varied. Some were recently laid off, can't find work, have just moved to town, started a new job, or have unexpected medical bills. Parents of all sorts sought Toybox assistance, including two parents, single parents, and grandparents.

Many of these families have no Christmas trees, much less presents underneath. Without your donations, many of these children wouldn't have a single Christmas present this year. But now these children will stay snug this winter in new warm coats, cozy mittens, blue jeans and even new underwear. Being poor doesn't stop a child from wanting the popular toys, even if they know their family can ill afford it. That's why these Toybox gifts seem so magical.

There is a lot of magic in Toybox - in terms of people opening their hearts and pocket~books to complete strangers. But there's a lot of hard work too. The Cape Girardeau Jaycees have spent hundreds of hours, sorting toys, routing deliveries, and then presenting the gifts to each child. They deserve much praise for this community service, especially Kevin Lasher and Mike Seabaugh, who co-chaired this year's event. Kim McDowell, Peggy Scott and the entire Southeast Missourian staff also put in some long hours - to ensure the success of this year's campaign. Applications were taken through the Salvation Army. Many area businesses served as collection sites. The list of those who helped ensure this year's Toybox was a success is long indeed.

Santa and his elves delivered more than toys last night - they brought a message of good will from the community. Your generosity told these children that we care. Thank you for making Christmas dreams come true.