TOYBOX PROGRAM BENEFITS THE NEEDY

To Karen Byrum and Kim McDowell, Toybox isn't just another project involving the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and Southeast Missourian.

Rather, it's a goodwill holiday venture that cuts to the core of what Christmas is all about.

"It's my favorite part of Christmas," said McDowell, who coordinates the project for the Southeast Missourian. "It's a reward just to watch these children in need receive someone's gift. You can't help being touched by something like this."

After three years working with Toybox, Byrum said the event continues to improve and expand in terms of volunteers and the children they help.

"It makes you feel good inside just to participate and make a difference," she said.

This marks the 20th year for Toybox, a project that could help as many as 500 families. From now until Dec. 9, stories in the Southeast Missourian will depict the needs of some of the children who have signed up for Toybox.

Byrum, who represents the Jaycees, is co-chairman of Toybox along with Jackie Ahrens.

"Toybox is easily the biggest project of the year for the Jaycees," Byrum said. "If we had to eliminate projects, this one would stay. It's a great experience that leaves you feeling good inside long after the holidays are over."

Byrum estimated that as many as 1,200 children in the city of Cape Girardeau benefited from Toybox last year. "There were probably more applications filled out last year because of the flood," Byrum said.

McDowell said that hats and gloves are accepted, but the Toybox project is designed to generate toy donations.

"I think most people perceive this as a toy project first," McDowell said. "For some of these kids, it's the only Christmas they get."

Applications will be accepted from now until Dec. 9. Those who wish to fill out an application should go to the Salvation Army at 701 Good Hope, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m until noon or from 2 to 4 p.m.

Parents should bring social security cards of each child and proof of residency. A utility bill will suffice for proof of residency.

Toys will be delivered Dec. 20 by Jaycee Santas and elves to homes in the city. Only needy residents who live within the city limits of Cape Girardeau are eligible for Toybox.

Byrum said more than 80 Jaycee volunteers will be involved in this year's project.

"We read each application and search for the right toys to fill the child's request," Byrum said.

The Jaycees will use a building donated by Blattner Bros. Inc. for organizational purposes.

"I'm always overwhelmed by the community support for this kind of project," said McDowell, who has been involved with Toybox since 1986. "Children who otherwise might have felt left out are given an opportunity to feel part of the community in a loving way."

New, unwrapped toys may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian at 301 Broadway, or to the following Toybox drop-off sites: West Park Mall, Boatmen's Bank, Capital Bank, Perry Travel Center, Gulliver's Travel Agency, AmeriFirst Bank, Commerce Bank, Roosevelt Bank and Mercantile Bank.

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