Today is the final day for Toybox applications to be completed. On Saturday the hard work of Toybox begins.

Literally hundreds of children already are counting on Toybox to provide a little holiday magic this year.

Toybox needs your help. Gifts have been arriving at Toybox headquarters but at a very slow pace. This week volunteers will begin match each toy given with the little boy or girl who would enjoy that gift the most.

But hundreds more toys are needed to provide each of the children on the Toybox list just a single gift.

The toys you donate to Toybox are often the only presents these needy children receive at Christmas. They are counting the days to Christmas and Santa's visit. But without your help, there may be no gifts this year.

Time is running short for this year's campaign. Donations are needed by next week. Delivery is set for the week after.

Toybox is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian newspaper.

Toybox serves children in Cape Girardeau up to age 12. Applications will be accepted today through 4 p.m. at the Salvation Army headquarters, 701 Good Hope.

Gifts will be delivered by a team of Jaycees Santas on Dec. 19.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys are requested. Also donations of new coats, mittens, hats and warm clothes are needed.

Gifts may be dropped off at the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, West Park Mall, Capital Bank, AmeriFirst Bank, Farm and Home Savings Association, Gulliver's Travel Agency and Perry Travel Center.

Cash gifts may be sent to Toybox, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

For more information, call Kim McDowell at 335-6611.