More applications than ever for Toybox program this year

Perhaps the economic recession is to blame, but the Cape Girardeau Jaycees have received more applications than ever for the Toybox program this year.

In all, 513 families asked for help this Christmas in filling their children's toy requests.

The Toybox program, which has been operating in Cape Girardeau for more than 25 years, provides gifts and toys to needy children up to age 12 who live in the city. It is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian.

Other programs serve neighboring communities.

Usually, the applications top out around the 430 to 450 mark, Jaycees said. "We've never passed the 500 point before," said Scott McClanahan, a Jaycees member. "It's surprised all of us."

Many of the applications list the toys children have requested and also tell stories about why the family is in need. Some wrote about parents who are separated and others had been laid off from work.

And with a larger number of applicants, more toys are needed. Few of the families have only one child. "And we like to give every child something," McClanahan said.

Toys that help round out the gift list -- like board games, puzzles, coloring books and crayons and small action figures -- are desperately needed. Donations simply aren't coming in as needed.

"We have to buy toys so the children can get toys," said Lisa Seabaugh, a Jaycee member. "We've been buying the little things like trucks and dolls that we know we're going to need."

Toybox has never had a year when all its requests couldn't be met. "It always comes in," McClanahan said.

Schools and scout groups often bring donations but those come in near the delivery date, which means toys can't be sorted until close to delivery.

All toys received by Dec. 20 will be used by Toybox. Delivery is scheduled from 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 20.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126