BASICS WOULD MEAN A LOT TO AILING COUPLE

Mr. and Mrs. N have gone from her taking care of their family of three to him taking care of the two of them.

Mrs. N has severe arthritis that keeps her homebound and makes getting dressed an exercise in frustration. Mr. N does what he can to keep from having to put his wife in a nursing home, but he suffers from high blood pressure.

Their only daughter lives out of town, and she suffers from health problems that keep her from caring for her parents.

Mr. N needs T-shirts and size 44 white briefs. Mrs. N wears dusters all day and needs size 44 dusters and gowns that snap closed in the front.

The couple want to stay together despite their health problems. They need Tide detergent, Dove soap, postage stamps and paper products. They also need lotion and original formula Noxzema skin cream.

Their Christmas wish list includes a 10-inch skillet with a lid, new bathroom towel sets, and colored or striped twin bed sheet sets to make their home more comfortable.

Christmas for the Elderly provides people with special requests that many take for granted. Food, taxi coupons, toiletries, simple paper products and money for medications are just a few of the donations that would make an elderly person's entire year easier.

The program, in its 12th year, is co-sponsored by Cape Girardeau County Health Department and the Southeast Missourian.

Gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian or the Cape Girardeau County Health Center through Dec. 13.

Cash contributions, taxi coupons, paper products and grocery store gift certificates are always needed and may help elderly people all year long.

Contributions may be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0699.