Spirit of giving

Editor's note: This story orignially appeared in 'Tis the Season, the Southeast Missourian's annual holiday guide.

__Toys for Tots__

__How it works:__ The Marine Corps Reserve organizes this toy donation program, which is now in its 11th year. New toys are collected from drop-off points in a four-county area, sorted by age group and gender suitability and personally delivered to children and families in need. At the same time, the group receives requests from families via social service agencies. Volunteers try to match those requests with the toys that have been donated.

"The reason we keep doing it is that we see how important it is to those families that don't have the means to purchase toys or get things for their children at Christmas," says local coordinator Richard Bollwerk. "We see that through the comments they make when we deliver the toys, and through the thank-you cards we get. Sometimes when we deliver the toys ourselves we get to see the reactions of the parents or children when they see something being delivered to their home for Christmas. That's the motivation that keeps us doing it from year to year."

__How to donate:__ Place brand-new, unwrapped toys in the Toys for Tots donation boxes throughout Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Scott and Stoddard counties -- visit www.toysfortots.org for a complete list. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 15. Cash donations can also be made to your local program through www.toysfortots.org.

__Toybox__

__How it works:__ The Jaycees reach more than 400 families each year through its Toybox program, which donates new toys to children whose parents or guardians struggle financially. First, low-income families in Cape Girardeau city limits fill out applications at the Salvation Army. Toys will be collected until Dec. 20, then delivered that evening by Santa Claus. The program is now in its 38th year.

"As an educator with the Cape Girardeau School District, I see firsthand the needs of these families and how programs like the Toybox reach out to those who are struggling," says coordinator Tracy Haggerty. "It gives me peace of mind knowing that I am involved in efforts to reach the children sitting in my classroom every day and bring them joy during the holidays."

__How to donate:__ Place brand-new, unwrapped toys in the drop-off boxes at local businesses, including the Southeast Missourian, by Dec. 20. Toys are needed for children ages 1 to 13, and the most popular requests are for sports items, learning games for toddlers, and art and makeup kits for young girls. Monetary donations can also be dropped off at the Southeast Missourian or mailed to the Cape Jaycees at P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702.

__Christmas for the Elderly__

__How it works:__ The Jaycees also organize this program, which provides basic necessities for Cape Girardeau seniors in need. Recipients are nominated by the Department of Health and Senior Services. Basic needs -- like grocery and pharmacy gift cards, toiletries, cleaning supplies, bedding and clothing -- help make everyday life a little easier for seniors who struggle financially, says coordinator Tracy Haggerty. Items will be collected through Dec. 16, then delivered to recipients that afternoon.

__How to donate:__ Bring items and monetary donations to the Southeast Missourian by Dec. 16. Monetary donations can also be mailed to the Cape Jaycees, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702.

__Operation Christmas Child__

__How it works:__ This is a global project of Samaritan's Purse, with the goal of sharing God's love by delivering shoe boxes of goodies to children around the world -- many of these children have never received a Christmas gift before. Individual volunteers as well as groups from churches, businesses and schools pack shoe boxes with things like pencils, notepads, small toys, socks and hygiene items. The boxes are taken to a relay center, then a central collection area, then one of five processing centers in the United States before being distributed among 130 different countries.

"Many people work to make sure the boxes get to their destinations," says area coordinator Gene Wilfong. "The shoe boxes are sent by plane, boat, helicopter, canoe, elephants, donkeys, oxen and carts and even dog sleds! The boxes are hand delivered to needy boys and girls."

__How to donate:__ Pack a shoe box for a boy or girl, ages 2 to 4; 5 to 9; or 10 to 14 (be sure to label the outside of the box with this information). Include a note for the child and an envelope with a $7 donation to cover shipping costs. Items not accepted are food (except for hard candy), liquids and war or camouflage toys or clothing. Find a relay center at www.samaritanspurse.org.