Donations for Toybox drive are falling short

Toybox, the annual effort by the Cape Jaycees to deliver new Christmas toys to local families in need, is falling below expectations.

But Tracy Haggerty, Toybox coordinator, said she is confident things will start to pick up.

"This has happened before," Haggerty said. "It's fairly normal about this time to feel the pressure of being behind."

Haggerty said Toybox, in its 39th year, is down an estimated 75 to 100 bags of toys for families who have registered to receive gifts. The shortage is being felt especially in children's toys for ages 1 to 2 and 10 to 12.

"We're doing OK in the middle age ranges," she said, "but babies and the older kids are hard to buy for. Toys for them have been slow coming in."

Toybox is serving about 350 families this year, Haggerty said, and the program is accepting donations of new toys for children age 1 to 12 who live within Cape Girardeau city limits. Toys are being collected from drop boxes at local businesses and will be delivered to families Thursday. It is planned for each child to receive up to four or five toys and stocking-stuffer items.

Another Cape Jaycees program, Christmas For The Elderly, has sustained itself so far, Haggerty said.

"It seems to be successful," she said. "We've even been able to exceed some of our needs."

Christmas for the Elderly provides necessities to 40 elderly people who have been nominated by the Division of Health and Senior Services. Beneficiaries receive gifts in the form of groceries, pharmaceutical items and other supplies. But donors to Christmas for the Elderly are encouraged to express their financial support in other ways.

"A local morning coffee group has donated $1,000 for the medical expenses of one of our clients," Haggerty said. "That's just one example of what can be done."

Financial donations also are important for Toybox, Haggerty said.

"If a person isn't sure what gifts to buy, they might consider making a financial donation," she said. "The monetary donations that we receive will go toward the purchase of gifts that are in need."

While Haggerty is confident Toybox will reach its goal, she reminds potential donors that Christmas is looming.

"The delivery date is getting closer," she said. "Please remember to make donations sooner rather than later."

Donations of toys and items for Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly can be made through Thursday at the Southeast Missourian at 301 Broadway. Toys for Toybox can be dropped off at other participating businesses. Tax-deductible monetary donations for both programs can be sent or dropped off at the Southeast Missourian or mailed to P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address: 301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO