Thousands of shoppers spent the weekend selecting their holiday gifts for friends and relatives.

But for some children in Cape Girardeau, receiving a gift from their Christmas list wouldn't be a reality without Toybox.

Toybox is a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian. It began 24 years ago as a way to provide toys and gifts to needy children.

Toybox draws participation from every member of the Jaycee organization. "It is our largest community project," said Darrell Koller, Jaycee Toybox chairman. "The attitude is that this is something everybody can participate in."

And they do. Jaycee members help shop for toys on the children's list, divide them into age-appropriate groupings and deliver them to the children along with Jaycee Santas. Even former members and people from the community help out with the project.

"Everyone who's done Toybox has seen some remarkable situations," Koller said. "That stays with them for years and years. It gives you a good feeling that you can help."

Helping to provide gifts for struggling families is what Toybox is about. And this year that's probably the biggest focus as families move from welfare to work.

"People are trying to move up and there is a gap before they get the money and pay all the bills to have enough left over for Christmas," said Kim McDowell, Toybox coordinator at the Southeast Missourian. "They are making the effort and we want to reward that."

The wish lists of toys that Santa brings changes every year as new toys and games gain popularity. This year that list includes a Talking Bubba, remote control cars, and Rugrats.

But there are some old stand-bys. Board games, blocks, basketballs, baseballs and bats, Barbie dolls and stuffed animals are always popular.

Educational toys, like puzzles, blocks, books and matching games are often overlooked, but they are often requested by parents.

Toybox applications will be accepted at the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope through Dec. 4. To apply, bring a photo ID, proof of residence and a Social Security card for each child listed on the form. Applications are accepted weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2-4 p.m.

New, unwrapped toys can be delivered to the Southeast Missourian office, AAA Travel Agency, First National Bank, Mercantile Bank, Nations Bank, Sander's True Value, Bank of Missouri, Southwestern Bell Wireless, Union Planters Bank, the JCPenney Court at West Park Mall and Commerce Bank.

Cash contributions may be mailed to Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.