COUPLE HOPE CHRISTMAS NOT LAST TOGETHER

Heart surgery and now kidney troubles have taken a toll on Mr. N this year, but he and his wife are determined to keep a positive outlook.

They are looking forward to Christmas, always a holiday favorite. Mr. and Mrs. N have gotten out all the holiday decorations amassed over their married lives and have proudly decked their small home.

They are determined to make the holiday joyous. They fear it may be their last Christmas together.

While they are rich in holiday spirit, Mr. and Mrs. N are struggling to maintain their home. Medicare has left them with lots of unpaid bills. Mr. N also has enormous monthly prescription drug bills.

Mr. N is no longer able to drive. Mrs. N never learned. Paying for transportation to and from Mr. N's doctor visits is becoming a problem.

A donation to offset some of his transportation costs would be a welcome gift for Mr. N. He could also use a sweatsuit, size medium. Mr. N has lost a lot of weight following his surgery.

A gift certificate for groceries or donations of canned goods would also be practical gifts the couple will appreciate.

Christmas for the Elderly is a joint project of the Southeast Missourian newspaper and the Cape Girardeau County Health Department.

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

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

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