FYI

We need a little help here.

Two-year-old Saraphia, who is blind, lost her Elmo Talk and Count Cell Phone that used Braille on the key pad. Her favorite toy was taken while shopping at a toy store.

Saraphia’s mother hopes a Herald reader can replace her child’s play phone. The toddler was born prematurely and had a rough start in life.

There are thousands of blind children and few toy companies include them in their world by adding the little bumps that help these children feel and enjoy their toys, her mother said.

If you can locate an Elmo Talk and Count Cell Phone, call 425-339-3451.

P.S.: The new Elmo phone doesn’t have Braille dots.

Go ahead. Buy a case of Top Ramen to fill your school or office food bank donation bin.

Virginia Sprague, who overseas food bank operations for the Volunteers of America Food Bank, said there isn’t any item that isn’t welcome.

Give a can of olives.

Donate cold cereal.

Folks like dried fruit.

The Christmas meal is an extra service they provide to clients. Right after Christmas, the same need for food will exist, Sprague said.

And don’t worry about the Top Ramen. Sprague said older siblings find it easy to serve to younger siblings in their care.

"Top Ramen is loved by our kids," Sprague said. "We just need everything."

What do you think was the biggest local story of the year? The opening of the Everett Events Center or the Tulalip Casino? The arrival of the USS Lincoln? The Marysville teachers strike? The Herald wants to hear from you. Send your picks for 2003’s top stories to

jwarnick@heraldnet.com by Dec. 19.

If you have an item for FYI, call Kristi O’Harran at 425-339-3451. If you have a news tip or an idea for a local story, call the city desk at 425-339-3428, or e-mail

newshound@ >

heraldnet.com.

Other numbers to call:

Everett, 425-339-3200

425-339-3470, after 4 p.m.

How would you fix the region’s transportation problems? And how would you raise money to pay for your fixes? Here’s your chance to tell the state’s transportation leaders what you would do and how you would do it through Part II of our online simulation. You can find it at www.heraldnet.com/fyc.

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