Doll, Hot Wheels will make kids happy

Sara, 8, wants a new doll for Christmas. She isn't really particular about what kind. Her 3-year-old brother would like any Hot Wheels toys or dinosaurs.

The children live with their grandmother, and the small family doesn't always have money for extras.

Courtney, 6, wants toy dishes and dolls and a music box from Santa Claus.

Many needy children won't have any gifts for Christmas unless they receive toys through the Toybox program, a joint effort of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian.

Applications for the program are being accepted through Wednesday at the Salvation Army office, 701 Good Hope. Applicants must provide a Social Security number for each child listed and proof of residence. Applications are accepted between 10 a.m. and noon and 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Educational materials for children 8 and older are greatly needed since many parents and children request them. Other toys needed are doll strollers, board and electronic games, and figures from popular movies or cartoons.

Drop-off locations for new, unused toys are Southeast Missourian offices, AAA Travel Agency, First National Bank, Firstar Bank, Check Please, Bank of America, Sanders True Value, Bank of Missouri, Capaha Bank, Cingular Wireless, Union Planters Bank, Alliance Bank, Toys R Us, Commerce Bank at the Cape LaCroix Road location only, Westfield Shoppingtown West Park and SunCom Wireless.

New toys must be delivered to the drop-off sites before Dec. 20, which is the night of delivery.

Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to Toybox Trust, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.