CHRISTMAS FOR ELDERLY KICKS OFF NEW SEASON

New clothes, a hair permanent, a small Christmas tree to brighten a home -- these aren't life-sustaining items. But for many elderly who are on a fixed income, face high medical bills and have few resources, these are the kinds of morale boosters that can make their lives better.

And these are the kinds of gifts asked for by recipients of Christmas for the Elderly, an annual program of the Cape Girardeau County Health Department and the Southeast Missourian newspaper.

Through the donations of people in the community, selected elderly people have their wish lists filled. What they ask for is usually modest, but may help them as they struggle to retain some dignity and independence, said Charlotte Craig, director of the health department. In addition, a few simple gifts help brighten their Christmas and their spirits.

Requests often include medications that Medicare or Medicaid won't pay for or everyday items the recipients may do without as they struggle to get by on limited budgets. These include fruit baskets, paper goods, canned foods, soaps and other household items, clothes and coats, even dentures. Each year, the Christmas requests for each elderly person have been filled through the generous donations from the community, which continue to grow every year, said Kim McDowell of the Southeast Missourian.

In fact the program has grown so much in its 15 years of operation, that Craig has had to recruit help in delivering gifts to recipients.

This year, for the first time, area fire fighters will help health department home nurses make deliveries of Christmas for the Elderly gifts. While in the homes of recipients, the fire fighters will check smoke detectors and answer questions about fire safety, Craig said."People in Christmas for the Elderly benefit so much from this program," McDowell said. In addition to the gifts given at Christmas, the program traditionally has generated such a generous response that funds have been available throughout the year.

The newspaper and the health department work with other agencies and organizations that serve the elderly to identify individuals in need.

Beginning Monday and each day through Dec. 9, a story and wish lists from elderly recants of Christmas for the Elderly will be featured in the newspaper. Names will not be used to protect confidential, but the stories will be true.

Organizers ask that gifts, which should be new, unwrapped items, and donations be given before Dec. 13 to ensure delivery to the elderly recipients by Christmas.

Gifts may be delivered to the County Health Center, 1121 Linden, or the newspaper office, 301 Broadway. Contributions may also be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, c/o Southeast Missourian, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702.

Additional information is available from Kim McDowell at 335-6611, ext. 101.