Out-of-work parents need help for holidays

A family with six children will struggle through the holidays now that the father is without work and the mother is unemployed.

"My family will appreciate anything you can do," the mother wrote on an application for Toybox, a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian that helps needy families at Christmas.

Gifts are distributed to children up to 12 years old.

"My husband has been laid off from work, so with all the bills to pay it will be very hard for us. This will be the only Christmas my children will have because we can't afford anything."

The children range in age from 3 to 10.

The oldest child, a girl, wants a new Diva star doll and Barbies. She also likes craft projects and things to create. The 7-year-olds -- a boy and girl -- have different requests. The boy wants Pokemon and remote-control racing cars. He has been in and out of the hospital with breathing problems and likes games that can keep him busy when he's not feeling well.

His sister wants Barbies, lip gloss and a doll that talks.

The younger children are 3 and 5. The two 5-year-old boys want remote-control cars, tanks and trucks, a toy airplane and a Mickey Mouse watch. The 3-year-old wants a Barbie house and a talking doll.

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, Commerce Bank at the Cape LaCroix Road location only, Westfield Shoppingtown West Park and SunCom Wireless.

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