The Holiday Season: For the Old and Young Alike

Some of my greatest memories as a child during the holiday season include baking cookies with Grandma and helping Grandpa put up the Christmas lights and nativity in his front yard. Those of us who have been lucky enough to know our grandparents during our lives, know the blessings and wisdom that our elderly can bring to us. The holiday season goes beyond just the needs of the children in our community and that is why the Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian work together year after year to bring Christmas to the Elderly to those in need.

In addition to the Toybox project, we service many elderly members of the community who may not have family around during the holidays, who lack the financial support to gain many of the fundamentals that we all take for granted, and who need a little holiday cheer during Christmas. Area organizations submit names of those individuals they believe would benefit from the program and in collaboration with the community -- we make it happen for them every year.

Gift and monetary donations for the Christmas for the Elderly program can be dropped off to the Southeast Missourian or mailed to the Cape Jaycees, Attn: Christmas for the Elderly, PO Box 4, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702. There is an increasing need for blankets and warm sweaters, house shoes, gift cards for pharmacies and groceries, and basic cleaning supplies or toiletries. Please watch the Southeast Missourian and or check back right here at my Blog for specific needs later in the month as applications arrive.

I know that if I weren't able to be here to share the holidays with my grandparents, I would want someone to take care of them and their needs. Think of it as reaching out someone's grandma or grandpa, an aunt or uncle, and share your Christmas spirit and generosity with the elderly and children of the Cape Girardeau Community through our Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly programs. Thanks for your continued support!