CHRISTMAS FOR ELDERLY IN NINTH YEAR

Christmas for the Elderly has begun its ninth year providing holiday gifts for needy elderly individuals in the community.

In the coming weeks, some of the neediest cases will be featured in the newspaper along with a wish list of gifts that could make life a little easier or a little happier for these people.

The program is co-sponsored by the Southeast Missourian newspaper and the Cape Girardeau County Health Department.

Each year, individuals, businesses, church and civic groups have responded to the stories and filled each wish list, explained Charlotte Craig, health department director.

Kim McDowell, coordinator of the project for the Southeast Missourian said, "This is one of those special projects that reaches out to a group of elderly people who are working the best they can to make it on their own.

"Through the efforts of the county health department we know there are elderly people in our community whose needs go unmet. A little help at the holidays can allow these people to continue living independently."

Each year, the community response to Christmas for the Elderly has been overwhelming.

"This is a program that touches a lot of people. We have people who give because they no longer have their parents or grandparents. Older people who appreciate the wealth they have. Children want to help older people," McDowell said.

"The wonderful thing is that if there is extra, we can share that holiday spirit with a few more people down the list who are in similar situations but were not featured in the newspaper."

The program started in 1985 when then Southeast Missourian reporter Sally Owen and Craig discussed the possibility of highlighting elderly people in need at the holidays.

That same year, Narvol Randol also approached Craig with a suggestion to start a program to help elderly community members.

"I was thinking in terms of medical equipment and supplies," Craig said. "He said we should think about making a wish list for things a person really wants or needs."

Over the years, the wish lists have varied greatly. "Of course medical supplies are a big part of the lives of many people we see," Craig said. "But one year we got a recliner for an arthritic patient. If a recliner is what's going to make life happy and comfortable for a person, that's what we try to get. Of course, it might be a pair of warm socks."

In addition to supplying some material needs for the individuals, Christmas for the Elderly also supplies an emotional need, Craig said.

"It makes people feel wanted," she explained. "Christmas has tendency to be a depressing event, even with a big happy family. But most of the people we tell you about don't have any family, or very limited family."

The fact that someone cares enough to give a gift at the holidays boosts spirits immeasurably, Craig said.

The elderly who receive gifts through the program are referred from different agencies. Craig said that network is open throughout the year. When elderly individuals develop needs that cannot be met through other resources, Christmas for the Elderly may offer another choice.

Each year, donations have been generous enough to fill all the Christmas wish lists with some left over. Those additional supplies are used throughout the year.

In addition, Craig said, some groups have spun off from Christmas for the Elderly to help elderly patients throughout the year.

For example, a quilting group regularly makes lap robes and checks to see if anyone has a need they could fill.

A church women's group made gowns with velcro on the back and given them to the health department. A Sunday school class is still gathering items for one couple featured in the newspaper last Christmas.

"We also have to think about the people we haven't seen yet, the people the hospitals have called about yet who also may have some needs," Craig said. "This is a way to keep Christmas in our hearts throughout the year."

The identities of individuals featured in the newspaper are confidential. "We don't intend for people to meet face to face," Craig said. "People call and want to do more. Their heart is in right spot but we can't do that. The only way people can get involved is through the health department."

What may seem like simple requests and small gifts make a big difference, said Craig.

"Some of the intervention we have been able to do truly, truly has made a difference between people staying in their homes, staying safely in homes or even warmly in their homes and not going to a facility," Craig said.

Gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, or the Health Department, 1121 Linden.

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

For more information, contact Kim McDowell at 335-6611.