TOYBOX, SALVATION ARMY APPLICATIONS BEGIN EARLY

Toybox and the Salvation Army Christmas programs will kick off early because of the short holiday season this year.

Applications for both programs will be accepted beginning Nov. 25 at the Salvation Army headquarters, 701 Good Hope.

Only 32 days remain before the Toybox delivery on Dec. 19.

A distribution date for the Salvation Army Christmas baskets has not been set, but will be shortly after the Toybox delivery.

Toybox is a project of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian to provide toys and warm clothes to needy children. Pat Anderson is co-chairman of the project for the Jaycees, along with Kevin Lasher.

This year, Thanksgiving falls on the latest date it can, Nov. 28. As a result, there are just 27 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

This shortened holiday season has prompted organizers of the annual Toybox drive and the Salvation Army Christmas Baskets program to gear up early.

Individuals may sign up for Toybox and the Christmas Basket program weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2-4 p.m.

Applications for Toybox will be accepted through Dec. 6.

Applications for the Salvation Army's Christmas Basket program will be accepted through Dec. 13.

Kim McDowell, who coordinates Toybox for the Southeast Missourian, said she, too, has been receiving calls from families looking for help this holiday.

McDowell said the annual Christmas for the Elderly program, sponsored by the newspaper and the Cape Girardeau County Health Department, will be conducted also, to provide Christmas gifts to needy, elderly people.

"For Toybox, we are making a special appeal to schools, scout organizations, service clubs, church organizations and employee groups to assist by giving toys as a group," she said.

Toybox serves children in Cape Girardeau up to age 12.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys are requested. Also donations of new coats, mittens, hats and warm clothes are needed. Cash gifts may be sent to Toybox, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

Capt. Elmer Trapp of the Salvation Army, said, "Last year, Thanksgiving was real early. This year, it is real late. Usually we start our Christmas programs right after Thanksgiving, but this year we decided to start early.

"This year, the Christmas season is just shorter.

"We are getting calls already from people who are interested in signing up," Trapp said.

Those signing up for the Salvation Army program need to bring identification for themselves, Social Security cards for everyone in the family, and proof of income.

Applicants last year were entered in a computer. Those applying for Christmas Baskets should mention if they participated last year, to speed up the application process.

"This cuts down on a lot of work," said Trapp. He said it also provides another safeguard against individuals collecting more than once.

Trapp said the Salvation Army is happy to act as a clearing-house for other organizations planning Christmas programs.

"The ideal thing would be for every group, even though they might take applications, to check with us to see if there is duplication."

He said the Salvation Army can also provide individual families for groups to "adopt" for the holidays.

The army's annual Tree of Lights fund-raising campaign kicks off the day after Thanksgiving, as usual. But Trapp said, "We will start ringing bells on Nov. 25."

Volunteers are needed to serve as bell ringers. Trapp said organizations, service clubs or individuals may help.

For more information about Toybox, call McDowell at 335-6611.

For more information about Salvation Army programs, call 335-7000.