The Cape Jaycees' 41st annual Toybox program is underway, as Christmas toys that will be delivered to local families in need will be collected through Dec. 18.

Tracy Haggerty, the program's coordinator, said Toybox collects monetary and gift donations, fills the wish list of each child, and Santa Claus personally delivers to every household.

"We send out 25 vans with 25 Santas to each home, and they take the bag of toys to the parents and deliver them personally," Haggerty said. "It's really neat to see the responses of the kids whenever Santa shows up at their front door."

The program reaches more than 1,200 children in the community every year, and each child in the household receives three to five gifts, depending on their age and requests.

"For so many of these kids, they have so little in their daily lives, and they don't have all the luxuries some of us have been blessed with," she said, adding for Santa to show up and deliver toys, it makes Christmas a wonderful and exciting time instead of just another day.

"It makes such a difference, because they don't take things for granted because they have so little," she said.

The Cape Jaycees also are hosting another program, Christmas for the Elderly, which provides necessities such as groceries, pharmaceutical items, warm clothing and other supplies to elderly people with a financial need. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 18.

The Cape Jaycees work with the Division of Health and Senior Services, and their caretakers nominate elderly residents in Cape Girardeau County who need assistance.

For many of the people, they have little to no family, and a visit from a friendly face bearing gifts is the high point of their holiday season, Haggerty said.

Donations of toys and necessary items for Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly can be made at the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway. Toys for Toybox also can be dropped off at other participating businesses.

klamb@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3639

Pertinent address:

301 Broadway St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.