Christmas for Elderly gifts must be in today

Gifts to Christmas for the Elderly must be received today to be delivered to recipients.

Christmas for the Elderly is a program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian that provides holiday gifts to senior citizens in the community.

Many of the recipients, who were referred to the program by the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, Missouri Division of Senior Services and Hoover Eldercare Center, only wanted fruit baskets or gift certificates.

However, Mrs. Y., would like a chenille bath robe with three-quarter sleeves in size 18. She also would like a grocery gift certificate so she can have a turkey for her holiday meal.

Mrs. Z. wants perfume for Christmas, in either Charlie or Windsong scents. She also could use a fruit basket.

Gifts like paper goods and toiletry items, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoos, soap and pet foods are needed to distribute to Christmas for the Elderly recipients. Stamps or gift certificates at discount stores also would be helpful.

Dish towels, washcloths, towels and cleaning supplies are at the top of many seniors' lists this year. Other necessities are sweat suits in a variety of sizes and colors. Slippers and bath robes make good gifts.

The Southeast Missourian newspaper collects gifts for Christmas for the Elderly at its Cape Girardeau and Jackson offices.

Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.