Consider giving to Toybox, elderly programs this year

In addition to its spiritual meaning, Christmas brings out the generosity in us. We find ourselves making lists of things to buy for people -- things we may have known all along they would like, but things we tend to reserve for the Christmas season to give. We walk through stores, see something fetching and think, "Oh, she would just love that!" Sometimes, we simply cannot resist, and we grab it up -- even if we have already crossed everything off our Christmas list. Then on Christmas Day, we get just as much joy in the giving of gifts as in the receiving -- if not more. It's what we have come to call the holiday spirit. And in that same spirit, Cape Jaycees give us a reminder of those who may need us most.

The Jaycee Toybox collects items to deliver to more than 1,200 community children every year. The program puts smiles on the faces of these little ones, smiles that may not be there without the generosity of our community. For 41 years, children in need have received three to five gifts on Christmas.

That's amazing, and that's not all. Are you aware that the Jaycees also work with the Department of Health and Senior Services to operate Christmas for the Elderly?

Sometimes, while we remember children, we forget those on the other end of the spectrum -- the elderly, many of whom do not have anyone to spend Christmas with or to buy them a little something to show how valued they are. This program, however, is designed to support Cape Girardeau County's senior citizens, whether ill, in financial need or just alone. Donations include health-related presents such as pharmacy gift cards, as well as gift cards for the grocery store. Even items that are sometimes overlooked are appreciated: socks, toiletries, cleaning items, towels, blankets and pet supplies, for example.

As a supporter of the Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly charity, we cannot encourage you enough to reach out this season to the young and the old through these two Jaycee projects. It will make a difference in the lives of those you help, and we bet it will make you feel pretty good, too. Please keep an eye out for the Toybox blog on semissourian.com or in the newspaper for updates and items that are needed and desired.

You may drop off donations until Dec. 18 at the Southeast Missourian on Broadway in Cape Girardeau.