Toybox Santas deliver Christmas cheer and gifts
(12/20/06)
The excitement was contagious Tuesday night as Santa made a surprise visit to 291 area families with gifts for children and a reminder that if they continued to be good until Christmas, they would have all the presents in the bag he carried with him...
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The Holidays
Holidays have area post offices overloaded
(12/20/06) When Robin Phelps walked into the Cape Girardeau post office Tuesday, she prepared herself for a wait. With an armful of Christmas gifts headed for Kansas City, the 18-year-old Cape Girardeau resident took her place in a line about 10 deep and sighed...
Clothing, household items needed
(12/19/06) Mrs. M is a 77-year-old woman who lives alone and does not have any family. In ill health, her problems range from seizures to high blood pressure and a history of strokes. Her bleak financial situation includes Social Security and food stamps but there's little left over for some of the items that are wearing out. Replacing her threadbare winter coat would make Mrs. M's Christmas happy. Dresses or night gowns in size 16 or large are other garments in need of replacing...
Woman on small income has modest Christmas wish list
(12/18/06) Ms. N has had her share of health problems. With heart trouble, diabetes and a history of cancer and stroke, she is happy to enjoy another Christmas. The 84-year-old receives Social Security, a small Veterans Administration pension and food stamps. She lives alone in an apartment complex with other seniors... 
Christmas tree display
(12/17/06)ALTENBURG, Mo. -- All of the Christmas trees inside the Lutheran Heritage Center and Museum represent a piece of Perry County's history. Old photos of those who lived in the area during the early 1800s fill the branches of one tree. Another tree displays the unique talent of Altenburg librarian Kathy Schlimpert, who made Scherenschnitle ornaments to hang from the limbs. Using a German art form of paper cutting, Schlimpert spent hours creating dozens of Scherenschnitle ornaments...
Woman would like domestic supplies replenished
(12/17/06) At 83, Ms. K. has been around long enough to acquire kitchen appliances, meet her clothing needs and various items it takes to operate a household. A widow living only on Social Security, she finds it difficult to replenish supplies that are disposable or need refilling...
Stair steps keep this mom busy
(12/16/06) Carmella, a CNA at a local nursing home, has three children, two and under. Caring for people comes naturally for her and she misses her income, especially at this time of year. The youngest child, Zachary, is only a month old. Carmella is stretched financially and physically with the needs of her little ones, still young enough to be mainly helpless. ...
Senior could use warm clothes and a toy for his feline friend
(12/15/06) Mr. I, 79, has no family living, but he does not live alone, according to his visiting nurse. "That cat of his is his best friend," she said. Thomas, Mr. I's cat, has a lot of personality and follows him around, sleeps with him and comforts him when the arthritis in his knees goes unrelieved. A veteran of World War II, Mr. I has always had cats, but not at all of them had as much personality as Thomas. The two watch television together, and when Mr. I goes out to the mailbox, so does Thomas...
Disabled child needs toys to help promote learning
(12/14/06) Tara has a lot to handle, being a single mother and meeting the demands of a physically and developmentally disabled 6-year-old daughter. Tara's limited income provides the basics, but she would like her daughter to be all she can be and that means doing activities that promote learning to assist her development...
Elderly man needs domestic items
(12/13/06) Mr. H lives alone in a small apartment. Arthritis, diabetes and a stroke leave little time in his life without discomfort. Without family to visit him and a small Social Security check as his fixed income, Mr. H's daily existence could be defined as bleak...
Hard-working single mom asks for help with children's gifts
(12/12/06) A full-time certified nurse's aide and single mom, Theresa finds it hard to supply her four children with the toys they'd like to have for Christmas. She doesn't depend on any public assistance even though it's difficult to meet the needs of a growing family...
Online retailers prepare for busiest sales days, target procrastinators
(12/12/06) NEW YORK -- Online and traditional retailers are taking aim at the bane of their holiday sales -- procrastinators. You know the type. Last minute lollygaggers who have put off their holiday shopping either to wait for desperation sales by retailers or because they can't stand the crowds...
'Bear' keeps home-bound man company
(12/11/06) Mr. G is 82. His 13-year-old companion is a dog named Bear who has been there for him since he became a widower six years ago. Keeping Bear's needs on hand gives Mr. G a sense of security, especially during the winter months. Even though he has a son in the area, he works on the river, so Mr. G. rarely sees him...
Grandmother raising two needs help
(12/10/06) Christmas morning will be sad for Sandra's grandchildren, 2-year-old Tommy and 3-year-old Joey, unless she receives a little help. They look at the Christmas tree and see the commercials and she knows they understand. But Sandra is unable to come up with the money... 
North Pole, Alaska, flooded with letters to Santa Claus
(12/10/06)NORTH POLE, Alaska -- It's a name that needs no address. Everyone knows Santa Claus lives at the North Pole. So letters sent to the roly-poly icon find their way to the small town of North Pole deep in Alaska's interior, including those simply addressed to Santa. Last year, 120,000 letters arrived from 26 countries, not counting the thousands with no return address...
Santa's helper helps the needy
(12/10/06) COLUMBUS, Ohio -- One of Santa's helpers roamed the streets, thrift stores and coin-operated laundries of the state's capital, making small talk before peeling $100 bills from his pocket and giving them to needy strangers. "He just said Merry Christmas and gave me $100," said Yvonne Dail, 50. "I don't know what to say except that I needed it. I just got divorced, had my gas turned off and I've been feeling pretty low."...
Bright child needs a challenge
(12/08/06) Andrea's mom, Stella, is proud of her children, who make good grades and are caring individuals. It makes her sad that only 9-year-old Andrea will receive gifts this year because of the generosity of Toybox givers. The other children, 14 and 15, understand that Stella's finances are spread thin and that they'll have to do without...
Boy's dream toy is a flying Superman
(12/07/06) Readers who may have outgrown a remote controlled flying Superman may enjoy giving it to 5-year-old Bobby, a boy who has recently found himself without a father. His dad's leaving has left his mom, Connie, in a precarious position. "I would like to get Christmas presents for him myself, but we're just making ends meet now," Connie said...
Woman would appreciate gifts for her canine companion
(12/06/06) Ms. E is 91. Her dog keeps her company most of the time since she lives alone and has no close family in the area. Her meager Social Security check leaves little left over for anything extra. Her dog is one of the highlights in her life and having toys for her pet would make Ms. E's Christmas really meaningful. Watching him play with the toys would give her real satisfaction, knowing that her companion is getting to have some fun...
Three active children hope for merry Christmas
(12/05/06) Janice, a single mom, wants to give her three children a merry Christmas. She can't work full time because her middle child, 11-year-old Aaron, has some learning disabilities and mental health problems and goes to school only half a day. Janice takes care of Aaron at home when he is not in school... 
'Light-O-Rama' debuts in Cape
(12/04/06)Clark Griswold could learn something about Christmas lights from Joe Morris. In the movie National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation", Griswold -- played by actor Chevy Chase -- covers his entire home in Christmas lights. But there's a far better light show taking place from 6 to 9 p.m. daily at 2206 Kent St...
Young girls would benefit from learning toys, books
(12/04/06) Mary finds herself faced with the task of raising two young children by herself this Christmas. Chief among her needs are the tools to help her daughters learn as they grow. Her children include 5-year-old Ellen and 2-year old Jennifer. The younger child is at an age where educational toys are a great aid to development. Mary hopes Jennifer will receive learning toys and books...
Dad's work hours reduced; couple has medical many bills
(12/03/06) Dad's hours have been reduced, and it's probable that his company will not employ him full time again until July. He's looking for part-time work, but this family could use a little help for a happy Christmas. Michael, Mary and Lydia are stairsteps under 5 years old. ...
Christmas for the elderly: Couple's limited income is due to paying for surgery
(12/03/06) Mrs. C, 70, lives with her husband who has health problems just as she does. The couple lives on a small social security and VA check. Their mounting medical bills leave nothing left over for Christmas. Recent surgery for her husband left the couple in a position where they had to remortgage their house to pay for the operation. With limited income it's difficult to pay a mortgage and their caseworker said they often sacrifice food so their bills are paid on time...
For the needy
(12/03/06) It is traditional to make charitable gifts near the end of the year, especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas and before the Dec. 31 deadline for tax purposes. At the root of all the donations, however, is that human element -- the emotion of the heart -- that guides most people to give and to give generously... 
Downtown crowded during open house
(12/02/06)People walking in downtown Cape Girardeau stood a good chance of bumping into strangers Friday night. That's because most people walking the streets for the annual open house sponsored by Old Town Cape were paying more attention to the cards in their hands than the pavement in front of them...
Couple with four children need help through rough spot
(12/02/06) Marcia and her family have hit a rough spot this past year. Money has been tight, and while things are looking up a little, it won't be enough to give the four children in the family a merry Christmas. The two youngest are twins, age 2, who have just discovered baby dolls...
Mom will be happy if son is happy
(12/01/06) Kathy is a single mom who works part time at a local grocery store. Her low income and lack of help from the child's father caused her to leave her home and move in with her mother. "It's hard. I want Mark to have a good Christmas. If he's happy that will make me happy," Kathy said...
Mother has been looking for work; couple needs clothing
(11/30/06) Della is the stay-at-home mother of 2-year-old Christopher and 3-year-old Anthony. Her husband has been out of work for six months with no date for a future return to work from his employer. Della believes staying home with her children is a better plan for the family, but lately has been seeking employment to try to make ends meet. Helping to provide this family with toys for their children would give them some hope until they can get back on their feet... 
No snow, no problem
(11/27/06)It was beginning to look but certainly not feel like Christmas at the annual "Parade of Lights" parade Sunday night as temperatures remained above 60 degrees. Thousands of people gathered along Broadway and Main streets to watch as floats decked out in colorful lights and decorations kicked off the start of the Christmas holiday in Cape Girardeau... 
Toymakers pulling out the stops this year
(11/27/06)WASHINGTON -- You better watch out: This holiday shopping season could be one of the priciest ever as the most tech-laden and expensive gifts for children of all ages, from the $299 animatronic pony Butterscotch to a $300 pinball machine, show up at your neighborhood Wal-Mart or Target...
Mixed predictions
(11/27/06) Michael Beno isn't sure how much he's going to spend on Christmas, but it looks to be a lot. The 28-year-old Cape Girardeau resident, recently out of the U.S. Navy, has a pretty lengthy list -- goodies for his in-laws, his mother and his children. He's buying, not to give away too many of Santa's secrets, a computer, toys for the children and something special for the wife...
Most of nation gets warm, dry weather for post-holiday travel
(11/27/06) ATLANTA -- The journey home at the end of the long Thanksgiving weekend was smooth sailing for many travelers Sunday, although snow slowed the journey for some in the West. In Washington, 15 inches of snow fell near the Canadian border and traffic slowed to a crawl on the state's main east-west corridor. Farther south, chains were mandatory on vehicles traveling on two major highways linking Sacramento, Calif., to ski resorts in Nevada's Lake Tahoe area...
Enjoy the season with a family outing to an area tree farm
(11/26/06) Family holiday memories are made at Meier Horse Shoe Pines, a Jackson tree farm on County Road 330, off Route PP. Teresa Meier believes the fun is in seeing the children who came with their parents come back with their own children. "One family uses their own hatchet to cut their tree for about six years now. They leave it here from year to year."...
Gift campaigns for children, seniors open
(11/26/06) Editors note: This is the first in a series of profiles for the 2006 Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly campaigns. By Rudi Keller Southeast Missourian When Christina Baer delivered toys to brighten the Christmas of children in need in 2003, she became enchanted with the Toybox program and determined to do more. ... 
Pets as presents
(11/26/06)All Amber Bertrand wants under the Christmas tree is a black and tan Chihuahua. The Cape Girardeau woman hopes her boyfriend (or a friend) will surprise her with the cute and cuddly dog for Christmas this year. "I want one because they are so cute. If I got one, I would take him everywhere with me, and then I'd take him to doggie day care when I go to work. I would name him Trigger," Bertrand said... 
LFCS organizes annual Cape Girardeau Holiday Home Tour
(11/26/06)A selection of Cape Girardeau homeowners have been decorating their homes for the annual Holiday Home Tour on Saturday. The tour will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The six decorated homes will have a hostess to answer questions and discuss the home. Funds from the tour benefit the local chapter of the Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri, a not-for-profit social services agency... 
Black Friday opens with lines
(11/25/06)Forget Thanksgiving. Instead of spending the holiday with family, friends and a massive holiday feast Thursday, Sean Ivory opted to spend 13 chilly overnight hours in a lawn chair outside the front doors of Best Buy. "I know it sounds crazy, but a bargain's a bargain," said Ivory, who was first in line at the Cape Girardeau retailer after waiting in line since 4 p.m. ... 
Visting Cape window display now a tradition for many
(11/25/06)The shopping wasn't what brought Norm and Peggy Brooks of Scott City to downtown Cape Girardeau Friday afternoon. Instead, they wanted to introduce the next generation of their family to a local Christmas tradition. With their 2-year-old granddaughter, Elise Kendrick, they made a trip to Hutson's Fine Furniture to see the store's locally famous and much-anticipated Christmas window display...
Some Black Friday shoppers plan to be up before sunrise
(11/24/06) Today is the only full-contact shopping day of the year. That's how four friends from Advance, Mo., describe Black Friday, the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season. By 4 a.m. today, Amanda and Amber Bond, Nikki Becker and Katie Eggimann will be at Wal-Mart in Cape Girardeau with shopping lists in hands. The women will join thousands of others in Cape Girardeau as most stores open the doors at 5 a.m. for holiday shoppers... 
Thanksgiving Day parade balloons fly lower as weather barely cooperates
(11/24/06)NEW YORK -- Strong gusts and intermittent rain swirled over Manhattan early Thursday but Big Bird and Snoopy stayed on track -- albeit a slightly lower one -- to please fans in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Officials waited until right before the 9 a.m. start to decide whether it was safe for the event's famous balloons to float through Midtown despite the wet and wind. The balloons will be kept closer to the ground than usual... 
An afternoon together
(11/24/06)Just seeing hundreds of smiling faces brought Katie Kutz and Jeremy Roth happiness as they spent Thanksgiving volunteering at the Salvation Army's annual holiday dinner. The Perryville, Mo., residents were two of almost 100 volunteers at the Salvation Army on Thursday. The organization served more than 300 meals on site, and volunteers delivered about 200 meals to local residents...
Annual Toybox program starts
(11/23/06)
The Toybox program is underway at the Southeast Missourian. People who can help those who are experiencing rough spots in their lives are asked to consider contributing a new unwrapped toy or making a cash contribution to help those having trouble making ends meet. The holidays push family budgets a little further at this time of year, and a donation can help provide a happy Christmas for a little girl or boy... |