The Cape Girardeau Jaycees, originally known as the Junior Chamber of Commerce, was organized in 1936. Membership was open to men between the ages of 18 to 36, until 1984 when the bylaws were changed to also include women between the ages of 18 to 36. It strives to provide leadership training to its members while also working to improve the community through a number of programs. During World War II, the Jaycees sponsored a youth program called “Teen Town” on Themis Street and a U.S.O. on Broadway Street, both in Cape Girardeau. Annually, they held a large community event called “The Follies” which featured its members dressed up in costume. The Jaycees Wives Club formed in 1953 to assist in many of its community programs. In 1975, the Jaycees started their annual Christmas Toybox program which provides Christmas presents to needy children in the area. It replaced a similar program called Operation Santa Claus. Over the years, the Jaycees have given out awards,provided children with swimming lessons, raised funds for street signs, and bullet proof vests for law enforcement agencies. The Jaycees were instrumental in establishing the SEMO District Fairgrounds at Arena Park and operated a golf course with admission being waived for its members. When members reach a certain age, they are no longer a part of the organization and become known as “Exhausted Roosters.” At its peak, membership hovered around 300 people, and was as low as 35 in the early 2000s. The organization had grown to about 180 members in 2015 and is still active in the Cape Girardeau area. Its biggest community project continues to be the annual Christmas Toybox program.